Life with the Clan

DURHAM, UK – Braehead Clan have had a solid start to the 2011/12 campaign as Drew Bannister’s side currently sit 6^th in the Elite League standings with 3 wins and 3 defeats from their opening 6 games of the season. Prohockeynews recently got the opportunity to speak to the Clan’s Canadian power forward Kyle Bruce and British defenceman Sam Zajac.
A number of clubs were interested in signing both Bruce and Zajac in the summer however both players were keen to link up with the Clan.
Sam Zajac – “I had heard great things about the Clan and had always been impressed when playing against them. It’s a great city, the fans are brilliant, all the staff are pulling in the same direction and we have a great opportunity to win some silverware here.
“There was some interest from EPL teams but I always wanted to stay in theElite if it was a possibility. It’s the top level in this country and although ice time may be more limited than in a lower league I felt it was the best place to be in order to develop as a player. I thought Braehead was a better fit for me.”
Kyle Bruce “Glasgow is a great place to play and live. I can see where hockey is going in Glasgow and because of this Braehead could be a top team in the UK for a number of seasons.”
Zajac “I’m really enjoying living north of the border, it’s a big difference living in a city for the first time but it’s great, there’s always something to keep you occupied and a lot of the boys are in the same apartment block so that helps when settling in too.
“ Living with fellow Brits Adam Walker and Callum Adamson means we spend a lot of time together, but we have a great bunch of guys and it’s fun to get up in the morning and go to work in such a positive atmosphere. Honourable mention to Brock McPherson for our game day walks to the local duck pond!”
Both players are confident Braehead can enjoy a great deal of success this campaign
Bruce “I know it is only Braehead’s second season but we need to win and be competitive in all our home games and do our best to bring some silverware to Scotland for the best fans in the UK.
“A player always sets goals for himself but mine centre around our team play and making sure we but a strong bid in for the Challenge Cup, contend at the top of the table and make some noise during the playoffs.
“Last season i attended the playoff weekend after the awards dinner and was completely blown away by that experience.   The noise and energy that weekendwas amazing and gave me goosebumps just being in the building.   Because of this i will do anything to make sure the Clan are there and competing for that trophy.”
Zajac “On the ice if we can better the league position from last season, and have a good run at winning some silverware I think that would be classed as a success. Off ice its great to see all the hard work behind the scenes paying off with some good attendances and continuing to grow the fan base is key.
“ Personally, I’m just glad to be at a great club and hope to play my part in any success that we can have. I’m trying to develop as a player and learn from some of the great talent we have in the dressing room. The GB set up is strong right now and there are some good young players coming through around the country so hopefully we can build on this, and if the opportunity ever arose to be a part of it I would jump at the chance.”
Clan player/coach Drew Bannister may be in his rookie season directing operations at Braehead however the former NHL blue liner has been an instant hit with his players.
Bruce, Bannister is a “great coach who has a wealth of experience and pedigree that carries an immense degree of knowledge.   Drew’s calm demeanour steadies a ship during any rough moment.”
Zajac “ It goes without saying that Drew is a great player, and he has encouraged me to play a more simple defensive game this season, something that I may of got away from a little last year. He is a model professional and just watching the way he handles situations helps to improve my game.”
Kyle and Sam went on to speak of their roles on the Clan’s roster.
Bruce “My role this season is similar to each other year.   I need to provide energy and aggression to motivate my teammates and fans.   But this season with only 10 imports i need to find a balance between that aggression and the rules and stay out of the penalty box and help my team by staying on the ice.   Also as a guy who played here last year i need to help the new players settle into their surrounds and make sure the boys find things that they enjoy so enjoy their time in Glasgow.
“My role has stayed pretty consistent (over the years) but again with less imports i have to grow and develop my offensive game to make a difference and help my team.”
Zajac “I have played the majority of the season with either Tim Wedderburn or Jim Jorgensen. I understand my role on the team this year may mean limited ice time in some games and am just trying to be dependable when given the chance to play.
“ So far I haven’t seen any ice on the special teams, but have done a lot of penalty killing in practice so hopefully this is something to work on for the future.
“Obviously it’s not as physically strenuous playing less minutes but it is challenging to remain focused when there can be long periods of a game where you’re not playing. There is a difference but I’m trying to embrace it, learn from it, and help the team in any way I can.”
Kyle and Sam went on to speak about how life with the Braehead Clan compares to their previous very different experiences of senior hockey. Bruce has iced in the ECHL and CHL in North America while Zajac has spent the early years of his fledgling career in the English National League with Whitley Bay before stints in the English Premier League and a year with the Newcastle Vipers in the Elite League.
Bruce “In my experience the top players in the EIHL are better than the ECHL or CHL but there is more depth in those leagues (as there are) more NHL prospects playing close to home.   Travel here is much better though and i can say that i do not miss the 24hour bus trips from town to town or being away from home for weeks on end and living out of a suitcase for much of the season.   Coming home to your own apartment and own bed is a major bonus in this league.”
Zajac “The big thing for me is practicing in the morning. It’s nice to get up early, get some work in at the rink then have the rest of the day to yourself. Telford and Basingstoke were both great places to play and I had a lot of fun and learned a great deal in both towns, but the level of professionalism here is the best I’ve experienced so far.
“Obviously money was a big factor for us in Newcastle last year and the facilities are a million miles apart. It’s great to play in front of so many passionate fans every week and in such a nice arena. That said last year in Newcastle was one of my most enjoyable playing hockey, the team was so close knit and playing top level hockey in the rink I grew up playing in was really special.”
Bruce went on to give his opinion on the younger Brits (Haywood, Walker and Zajac) in the Clan squad.
“These players have such a larger role now with only 10 imports and they have come a fair way even from last season.   This will be my 3rd year playing with Walker and he has grown as a player.   Haywood improved in leaps and bounds during last season and we need him to be a producer for our team this season.   Zajac is a great little player who with his size does an amazing job.   These players will only get better playing more and growing with the experience they gain playing in the EIHL.
“To be honest I feel that Haywood will be a top British player in a few more years.”
Kyle then went onto speak of what the future may hold for himself and also for the Clan.
“I plan on enrolling into an online fire fighting program and starting to pursue a career in that area.
“Having 4 Elite League sides here in Scotland is great for the game up North. The Scottish people have been denied high level hockey for many years and this is a shame so it is great that hockey is back for the people.   Most Scottish people who I have met that have just seen hockey for the first time seem to love it, and with more teams up north, this can only mean faster growth of hockey in the UK.   As of yet there is more of a rivalry between our fans and other team fans in Scotland.   But i know our team always gets excited and pumped to play other Scottish teams.”
The Clan are in action at the Braehead Arena the next 2 Saturday evenings as Braehead take on local rivals Edinburgh on the 29^th October (face off 7pm) before facing table toppers Belfast Giants on the 5^th November (face off 7pm).
Thanks to both Kyle Bruce and Sam Zajac for taking the time out to speak to Prohockeynews.
Images courtesy of the Braehead Clan.
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com