DREW BANNISTER has been confirmed as the new player/coach of Braehead Clan.
The Canadian replaces Bruce Richardson, who left the club in the summer to take on a coaching role in Canada after taking Clan into a respectable fifth place in their maiden season.
The former NHL defenceman is taking his first coaching role after being lured north of the border following a year at Hull Stingrays and is excited about his new challenge.
Bannister said: “I’m delighted to get this opportunity to come to Scotland and I want to thank the Hull Stingrays for the year I had with them.
“My family and I are excited about coming to the club and I, especially, cannot wait for the challenge that lies ahead.
“I know all about the expectations for the Clan in the new season and I’m grateful to Neil Black for the opportunity to work for the club.”
The 37-year-old has spent the last year on Humberside, but brings an impressive CV that has seen him play in Finland, Germany, Russia and in America.
In fact Ontarian-born Bannister has played for four clubs in the NHL, including New York Rangers and the Edmonton Oilers.
In a lengthy process, owner Neil Black finally settled on his man and said: “I am thrilled for the Clan to have attracted a player/coach with such a tremendous resume.
“I am sure that he and his family will settle in quickly and I know that Drew is 100% focussed on putting together a winning team made up of good quality players.”
Following Richardson’s surprise departure earlier in the summer, former Newcastle Vipers coach Danny Stewart and one-time Ayr Eagle Rhett Gordon were linked with the post.
But Clan general manager Kirsty Longmuir admitted Richardson’s departure has set the club back in their preparations for next season, but understood his reasons for leaving.
She said: “Knowing Bruce, I knew if a chance to coach in North America came along, he would take it. He’s a family orientated guy as well as being ambitious.
“I had just hoped that, for the Clan’s sake, such an offer wouldn’t materialise until at least next year, but I knew it was something he had to do and I appreciate that.
“Operations-wise, Bruce’s departure has been a set back and we are a few weeks behind where we should be, while the appointment of a replacement is sorted out.”
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