SIGNING: Cameron catches up with Jones

Glasgow Clan, sponsored by Aspray Glasgow West, are delighted to announce the signing of new defenceman Mitch Jones.

The 26-year-old arrives from Romanian side Gyergyoi, where he worked with Clan coach Malcolm Cameron for a season and a half.

And Jones, who arrived in Glasgow on Tuesday, admits his old coach was rather persuasive in helping him decide to come to the UK and can’t wait for his debut in Clan’s homecoming game this Saturday against Coventry Blaze.

“Malcolm’s a pretty good salesman,” Jones laughed. “He got me to play overseas for him in the last two years and he’s done a lot for my career.

“Coming back and playing for him was a no-brainer, especially after the year we’ve all had so there wasn’t a lot of convincing involved.

“I’m definitely excited to be here and I’d been talking to Malcolm throughout the summer and it had been in the back of my head.

“It really started to commit to it in the last three weeks, put everything to gear and now I’m here and can’t wait to get going.

“It’ll be good to play my first game as a Clan player at home. It think that’s huge and I don’t have to worry about a long bus ride and it gives me a few days to get ready by training hard.”

Prior to moving to Romania in November 2019, Jones played in the ECHL with Jacksonville IceMen, Cincinnati Cyclones, Utah Grizzlies and Alaska Aces, making just under 200 appearances.

His brother, Max, is currently in the NHL with Anaheim Ducks while his dad, Brad also played in the top league with WInnipeg Jets, LA Kings and Philadelphia Flyers in the late 80’s and early 90’s.

Clan head coach Malcolm Cameron spoke of his previous experience of working with Jones and, like the previous players he’s worked with, knows exactly what he brings to his line-up.

“Mitch played well for me at Gyergyoi in Romania and I’d coached against him in the ECHL so I did a lot of homework on him before I took him to Europe,” he said.

“He’s ultra competitive, very physical, very intense on the ice, a good skater and he’s got a very heavy slapshot, which can be hard for goaltenders to handle.

“I found he got better as the season went on and really hit his stride when we got to the play-offs and I reached out to him earlier in the summer.

“Mitch and I have a really good relationship and for me to surround myself with players I’ve won with before, that’s a comfort level because I know what they bring and I can lean on them in situations.”

Jones will wear the #6 jersey in the new season.

Further to this, Glasgow Clan can announce the release of defenceman Medric Mercier.

The 25-year-old joined the club from the University of Ottawa, but moves on after three appearances.

The club wish to place on record their thanks to Medric for his efforts and wish him well for the future.