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SIGNED: Russell returns for second season with Clan

June 16, 2016

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The Braehead Clan are delighted to announce the return of netminder Gary Russell, who is set for his second season at the club.

Russell moved to the Elite League in the summer of 2015 from NIHL side Solway Sharks and proved to be a more than capable backup to Chris Holt and Travis Fullerton last season.

And Finnerty couldn’t stress enough the importance of having the 26-year-old return to the team after impressing in his eight appearances.

“For me, it was really important to get Gary back,” said the Clan coach. “ Whenever we needed him, he was there for us and he was a huge part of our team.

“Having Gary back in the team is a good security to have. There’s not that many British backups that have his quality and for me, he’s of the best. Being a Glasgow boy, it’s a good fit for both parties.

“He developed a strong bond with Chris Holt and having the two goalies get along is a always really good thing.

“’Holtsy’ showed him a lot and Rusty learned a lot from that in his first year in the league. We had to throw him into the fire a few times and when we did, he played strong for us.

“Getting him back was crucial and I’m glad we were able to work it out with him.”

Russell came to prominence in late December when injury to Holt saw the backup thrust into action where he delivered man of the match performances against Belfast Giants and Dundee Stars.

From there, he became a firm favourite with fans, who will be delighted to see him back as Braehead’s 11th signing of the summer so far.

Russell will once again wear #1, and joins Scott Aarssen, Cody Carlson, Zach Sullivan, Matt Keith, Bari McKenzie, Matt Haywood, Daniel Ahsberg, Scott Pitt, Craig Peacock and Callum Boyd on the roster for 2016/17.