Perras to backstop the Clan

GLASGOW, UK – The Braehead Clan have signed a Canadian netminder who has already starred in the top flight of British ice hockey. He is 29-year-old JF Perras who played in the Elite League with Edinburgh Capitals in the 2007-2008 season and Coventry Blaze the following year. Perras, from Ontario, played with the Arizona Sundogs in the American Central Hockey League last season. He attended the Detroit Red Wings training camp in 2000 and the Montreal Canadians training camp in 2002, as well as playing in the Central Hockey League’s All Stars team in 2007. This is the Braehead Clan’s inaugural season in the UK’s Elite League and their first home game playing out of the 4000-seater Braehead Arena is against Newcastle Vipers, on Friday October 1. Clan player/coach Bruce Richardson said: “When I was searching for a goalie I was looking for somebody that had Elite League experience. “Being a new expansion team I wanted somebody that did not need to adjust to the league or European hockey and JF Perras fits that bill. “Two years ago JF played for Coventry and was one of the best goalies in the league. He had the best stats in the league and helped Coventry to second place that year.

“He is a true professional on and off the ice and his work ethic is second to none. He will also bring some leadership to the team and will be able to help the new players settle into their new surroundings and the league. “He is so excited to be coming back to the UK and especially to Braehead. He is pumped about showing everybody that he is an elite goalie. “One of my former coaches who is in the NHL and has won a Stanley Cup always told me you win games with offence but you win championships with defence.” Richardson has just one more slot to fill in his 12-strong import roster and that is likely to be filled by a forward. He added “I am really comfortable and happy with my team. When you are building an expansion team it can be tough because players coming to Europe like joining a team that is already established, but I was able to get some great players and more importantly, some great people. I have one more import to sign and I should announce the signing soon. All I can say is bring on the new season and all the other EIHL teams should be on their guard as the Clan are coming.” Contact the author Comment@Prohockeynews.com