DURHAM, UK – Former Newcastle Vipers blue liner Sam Zajac has signed for the Braehead Clan ahead of the 2011/12 season. Zajac impressed in his first Elite League campaign as he established himself as a solid reliable d-man for the Vipers throughout last term.
Zajac in action
Zajac began his career at his home town team Whitley Bay and the diminutive defenceman gathered a wealth of experience playing for the Warriors in both the English National League and the Northern League before he steeped up to the EPL. He spent one season in the midlands with the Telford Tigers before moving down to the south coast to link up with Steve Moria’s Basingstoke Bison. In an interview with Prohockeynews at the start of the 2010/11 season, Zajac spoke of how he struggled to pick up much ice time during his time at the Bison and how he was delighted to secure a move back to the north east to link up with Danny Stewart’s Vipers. Sam’s move to Newcastle kick started his career as the small blue liner was soon icing regularly for the Vipers and when a number of players left the club in mid season Zajac began to play a much more prominent role on his sides special teams.
Sam drops his gloves
Zajac went onto to log a great deal of time on both the Vipers power play and penalty kill often playing as the senior defenceman on the Vipers 2
nd d line alongside young players such as Dan Pye and Dan Harris. With Newcastle Vipers going under it had looked unclear as to where Zajac would be playing his hockey next term however a move to the up and coming Braehead Clan does seem to be a great move for both the player himself and his new club. Contact the author –
chris.mackenzie@prohockeynews.com Images courtesy of Paul Lynch Photography
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