SIGNING: Hazeldine reunited with Neilson at Clan

The Glasgow Clan are delighted to announce the signing of British defenceman Joseph Hazeldine on a two-year deal.

The 23-year-old will reunite with former coach Corey Neilson in Glasgow and joins the club after spending most of last season with Nottingham Panthers.

And he revealed his association with the recently appointed Clan coach has run for a long time throughout his career.

“Corey got in touch with me when he knew he was going to Glasgow and said he would be interested in having me join him,” Hazeldine said.

“He told me he was impressed with how I finished the season with Nottingham, plus I’ve worked with him before.  He was the coach who gave me my first pro contract.

“I’ve known him a long time and worked with him in Germany during Covid as well as with the Panthers. I’ve even played alongside his son, Cade, who is one of my best friends.

“Coming to Clan seems like a great fit for me and I did my research as well, talking to people I know who’ve played in Glasgow and the feedback I had was positive.

“I’ve always found it to be a good arena to play in which is another reason why I’ve decided to join.

“I’m excited to be coming to play for the Clan.  It’s going to be a good year with a new challenge ahead and I can’t wait to see the Purple Army soon.”

Hazeldine is a product of the junior set-up in Nottingham and made his debut under coach Neilson during the 2017/18 season.

He joined Manchester Storm for the Elite Series in 2021 and stayed with them for two more seasons before beginning last season in Hungary with Fehervar Hockey Academy where he scored one and assisted on another in 14 appearances.

The six-foot-one defenceman returned to Nottingham where he scored twice and assisted on a further 10 in 40 appearances under Jonathan Paredes.

Neilson believes Hazeldine is set for a big campaign after keeping a keen eye on him over the years.

“I’ve been watching Joe play and coaching him since he was five years old,” he said. “He’s an incredible talent who excelled alongside Cade in the Nottingham Junior program.

“Over the years his game has grown nicely and he really had an incredible end to last year’s season.

“He really showed a lot more depth to his game when more offensive minutes were given to him.  I think he’s primed for a big season and I’m really happy to have him onboard.”

Hazeldine will wear the #73 jersey next season.