Glasgow Clan

Glasgow Clan 2025–26 Season Preview

A New Era in Braehead: Rebuild Underway with Clear Vision and Renewed Purpose

As the Glasgow Clan gear up for the 2025–26 Elite League season, a sense of quiet determination has settled over Braehead Arena. Following a 7th-place finish and yet another early playoff exit yes, that Patrick Watling goal still lingers the organization has undergone significant change, both on and off the ice.

Corey Neilson returns for his second full campaign behind the bench, now paired with Russell Smith, who takes over as CEO following Gareth Chalmers’ move to Fife. Together, they’re ushering in a fresh chapter centred on leadership, consistency, and a long-overdue return to relevance.

The mission is straightforward: restore pride, stability, and a competitive edge to one of British hockey’s most passionate markets.

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Roster and New Signings Overview: Foundation Taking Shape

Neilson has moved quickly this offseason, building around a veteran core while injecting fresh talent across the roster. With 19 players already signed, including key returnees and smart import additions, the Clan look better balanced — and better prepared — than they did a year ago.

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Goaltending: A Critical Reset

Goaltending struggles plagued the Clan in 2024–25, but the club wasted little time addressing that issue. Out goes Landon Bow, and in comes a more balanced tandem:

• Sami Aittokallio (Finland): An experienced netminder with European pedigree, expected to take the starter’s role.
• Lucas Brine: A young and capable Brit, offering stability and flexibility as a backup.

Creating internal competition in goal was a must — and this tandem should provide the consistency that eluded the team last season.

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Defence: Structure Over Flash

With further additions expected, Glasgow’s blue line is still taking shape. However, early moves suggest a commitment to defensive responsibility and improved transitional play:

Returning core includes:

• Chris McKay: Brings size and experience.
• Steven Seigo: Steady veteran with leadership qualities.
• Joe Hazeldine: Young Brit continuing to carve out his EIHL role.

New Signings:

• Miihkali Teppo: a defensive-minded defenseman, excelling in protecting his zone, blocking shots, and penalty-killing duties. He is also capable of effective puck movement from the back end.
• Jason Fram: known for his leadership, adaptability, and consistent offensive contribution from his junior years in Canada to university dominance, and ultimately to representing China through playing for Kunlun in KHL on the international stage and continuing his career in Europe with the Clan.
• Colton Poolman: Brings steady leadership and a rock-solid blue-line game, the kind of dependable defenseman who makes everyone around him better.

After conceding 188 goals in 54 games, defensive accountability will be a non-negotiable focus for Neilson and staff.

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Forwards: Deep, Dangerous, and Defined

The most noticeable improvements have come up front. Glasgow’s top nine is shaping into one of the league’s most versatile and complete groups, built on pace, tenacity, and veteran presence.

Returning Skaters:

• Deven Sideroff (C): The heartbeat of the team — elite work ethic, speed, and two-way impact.
• Rylan Schwartz: Experienced, creative, and composed in possession.
• Mitch Heard: A physical tone-setter and emotional leader.
• Cade Neilson: Dual-national with Team GB upside and offensive promise.
• Alex Forbes: Defensive forward with strong PK utility and a team-first mentality.
• Felix Paré: Brings grit, depth scoring, and energy.
• Rob Lachowicz: Veteran Brit who kept sharp in the Australian league over the summer.

New Arrivals:

• Brayden Burke: Former AHLer and DEL forward with elite hockey IQ and puck skills. Could be a game-changing addition on the top line.
• Hugo Roy: A proven scorer and recent playoff winner with Nottingham.
• Brett Neumann: Returns to the EIHL after a season in Switzerland we know has strong skating and finishing ability.
• Richard Jarůšek: Czech veteran from Rytíři Kladno (Jaromír Jágr’s team), bringing experience and offensive upside.
• Austin Mitchell-King: Young Brit with potential and a strong developmental upside.
• Tristin Langan: A dynamic forward with a scoring pedigree from his WHL days, proven offensive consistency in the ECHL, and same again in the Norwegian league for top team Stavanger Oilers.

This is a group built with purpose combining experience, creativity, and an ability to adapt across all four lines.

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EIHL Dream Team – One to Watch: Brayden Burke

With over 200 pro games in the AHL and DEL, Burke arrives in Glasgow with high expectations. His vision, puck control, and playmaking could unlock a new level in the Clan’s top line — particularly if he finds chemistry with Sideroff or Roy. Quietly, he may become one of the EIHL’s top offensive imports if he settles quickly.

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Overall Verdict and EIHL Dream Team Predicted Finish: 4th Place

The Glasgow Clan look poised to turn a corner. There are still pieces to finalize especially on defense but this team feels more structured, mature, and purpose-driven than in recent years.

If the goaltending tandem holds, and Burke delivers in the top six, Glasgow could push well into the playoff mix and potentially challenge for silverware. After years of stop-start momentum, the Clan are finally trending in the right direction.