Braehead Clan hunting for new coach following Drew Bannister's shock U-turn

Jun 6 2012

Drew Bannister

BRAEHEAD CLAN have been rocked with the shock departure of boss Drew Bannister.

The Canadian stunned the Glasgow Elite League ice hockey side by delivering the bombshell news that he’s accepting a coaching post back in his homeland.

Just days after the 38-year-old committed himself to the Clan for next season, Bannister pulled a U-turn by accepting an assistant role with junior side Owen Sound Attack.

It’s a move which could have huge consequences for many of the Glasgow squad that had been given no indication their head coach was preparing to head to pastures new.

Fellow Canadian and Clan top scorer Jade Galbraith is considering his future after the departure of the man who guided his side to sixth last season after taking over from Bruce Richardson.

But Bannister said: “My family and I are really excited. I was impressed with Owen Sound Attack’s general manager Dale DeGray and head coach Greg Ireland – the chance to join is tremendous.”

Bannister’s exit will now trigger the search by Clan for a new head coach and the club admitted a search is already under way.

A statement read: “We will be hoping to announce a new player coach for the 2012-13 season by the end of this month.”