DURHAM, UK – The Braehead Clan have had an encouraging start to the 2011/12 season as the fledgling side from the west of Scotland currently occupy 6th position in the league standings just behind established clubs such as the Coventry Blaze and Cardiff Devils. Drew Bannister’s side have also been able to progress into the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup which gives the Clan a realistic opportunity to pick up one of the 3 major trophies on offer to Elite league sides. Pro Hockey News recently spoke to Braehead’s British forward Adam Walker to gauge how he thought the first half of the campaign had gone for himself and his side.
“I think there have been some real improvements since the start of the season. It’s been a bit frustrating of late with the injuries we have had to deal with but being (just) 3 points out of 4th place at this stage of the season isn’t far off our target.
“We have a number of targets we want to achieve. We want to build on our position in the league from last year, we also have the challenge cup semi finals and hopefully the playoffs to look forward to as well. Winning a trophy is definitely a priority.”
On a personal level, Adam is enjoying a highly successful campaign as he has picked up 16 points already this season and is easily on course to better the 20 points he picked up during his first term with the Clan. Such an improvement in points production will no doubt push the young winger into the thoughts of whoever takes over from Paul Thompson as the coach of Great Britain.
“I think it’s just been the fact I got off to a better start (this season). Last year I had a really tough start and it took a while to get going so I wanted to hit the ground running this year and I have been able to do that. Drew has been great with me too so that has helped a lot.
Adam celebrates a goal
“I don’t really look too far in front to be honest so helping the team to win is all that matters to me right now. If I was chosen to play for GB I would be really happy to do so but there are so many good forwards to choose from so there is a lot of depth there.”
Adam went onto speak of how he saw his role on the Braehead roster and how the coaching style of his current coach Drew Bannister compared to other head coaches (such as Bruce Richardson and Tony Hand) that he had played under in the past.
“I would say I’m pretty much an all rounder these days. I work as hard as I can for the team every game and can chip in with scoring as well as playing solid defensively.
“Drew and Bruce have a very similar style of playing compared to Tony. They are all very different people and they have different ways of showing how they want you to play but I have enjoyed working with all 3 at the same time.”
Despite being only 26 Adam has played for 6 clubs since he began his career with the Fife Flyers back in the 2001/2 season. Adam spoke of the best players he had lined up with and against and of the standard of rinks he has played in over the years.
Walker in action
“Alongside I really enjoyed playing with Ed Courtney in Manchester. Here in Braehead I think we have some great players, Jordan Krestanovich and Jade Galbraith are exceptional talents. Against I think Theo Fleury was a highlight and also Nick Boynton when he was in Nottingham.
“I love playing in Braehead and because I’m from there I always enjoy going back to Fife. I think in the EPL I didn’t really like heading to Romford or Peterborough. I don’t mind most places though.”
Walker has spent the last 6 seasons in the Elite League icing for both the Manchester Phoenix and Brahead Clan. Prohockeynews asked Adam if playing in the top flight for so long had aided his overall development.
“I think to a certain point it definitely has. It is the best league in the country so playing in it can only help you. Playing 2 years in the EPL (English Premier League) though has been the best thing I could have ever done. I would recommend it to any young player looking to get to the next stage in their career.”
Adam went onto speak of the opportunities that had come his way to ply his trade both abroad and back in the EPL and also if he was tempted to re-join his home town team the Fife Flyers last summer.
“I’ve had a few chances to go abroad and it is definitely something I would like to achieve before I finish playing. I’ve played in the EPL for a few years too and have had a few chance to go back but I’m happy where I am right now and enjoy playing in Braehead.
Adam ices for the Clan
“To be honest I didn’t have any contact from Fife in the summer because I had already signed in Braehead before things were settled over there. You never know how things work out in hockey though so maybe some time in the future.”
Just before the interview concluded Adam spoke of who had been the biggest influence of his career to date.
“There have been many influences and a lot of people have been great in helping me get to this stage within hockey but my parents have always been there from day 1 so I would have to say they have been my biggest influence.”
Thanks to Adam for taking the time out to chat to us. Braehead have a number of home games over the Christmas period, the Clan take on the Belfast Giants on Boxing Day before facing the Dundee Stars on December 30th and the Nottingham Panthers on the 3rd of January.
Thanks to the Braehead Clan for the images
Contact the author – chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com
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