STEVEN CHALMERS insists his decision to leave Braehead Clan had nothing to do with the ongoing saga of the club recruiting a new coach.
The new Dundee Stars signing also revealed his decision to leave the Purple Army was a tough one.
Chalmers said: “It was a tough call and I received an offer to return to the Clan for season two, but I felt I needed more of an opportunity on the ice and coach Dan Ceman was giving me that.
“I learned a lot from Bruce Richardson and the guys I played with, particularly those that had played in the NHL and at the highest level, who gave me advice and tips on my game.
“But the fact Clan have been looking for a new coach had nothing to do with my decision. In fact I wasn’t too bothered who the coach would have been if I’d stayed.
“Its just that Dundee gave me a great offer and I felt it was right decision to make.”
Chalmers, who will be 19 in August, featured 46 times for the Clan last season as the club finished in a respectable fifth place in their inaugural campaign.
Before joining Braehead, he played his hockey in the Ontario Hockey Academy in Canada and has also represented Great Britain in the World Championship at under 20 level.
His signing comes days after another new acquisition, Craig Mitchell, from Hull Stingrays, was ruled out for the season after suffering a torn labrum in his shoulder.
Coach Ceman was delighted to bring Chalmers to Tayside and is looking for a big season from his new capture.
Ceman said: “I’m delighted to sign another young, hungry player to Dundee and I feel Steven is a player with a lot of potential and a strong work ethic.
“He gained some invaluable experience last year with Braehead and has worked extremely hard in the gym this summer so he will be able to compete on a consistent basis at the Elite League level.”
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