Braehead Clan coach Jordan Krestanovich vows to build on team's early success

Jun 20 2012 By Gordon Parks

BRAEHEAD CLAN have confirmed the promotion of Jordan Krestanovich as their new player-coach.

The 31-year-old Canadian steps up from a starring role as a key player for the Glasgow side to fill the  vacancy left by the shock exit of boss Drew Bannister earlier this month.

Krestanovich has been with the Clan for the past three seasons and insists he’s ready to mount a bid to get his side among the silverware next season.

He said: “I had already committed to come back for a third season with Braehead.

“I enjoyed working with Drew last season, and Bruce Richardson the campaign before, and the guys in the dressing room have been first class. I have learnt a lot from working with both Bruce and Drew. They are fantastic coaches, both with their own approach to the game and their own style of coaching.

“My time with the Clan has been both enjoyable and hard work but I always thought that eventually I would head into a coaching role here or elsewhere.

“And when I heard Drew had left, naturally I contacted Clan’s general manager Kirsty Longmuir and we got chatting about what Drew’s departure meant for the club and the team and I expressed interest in the role of player-coach.

“The Clan have accomplished so much both on and off the ice in their short existence but there is room for improvement and progression. The foundations are laid and I look forward to building a team that will be competitive on the ice but also hungry to win.

“I look forward to bringing in guys who I know will not only be skilled but ready to work hard as a team both on and off the ice.

“I am grateful for this opportunity and confident that we can build a great team.”

Clan general manager Longmuir said: “Jordan is a fantastic player and great in the dressing room, he is a true leader and I have no doubt he will do a fantastic job.

“I know that he is a hard-working, skilled player and he will expect the same from his team. It’s great to have him on board in this role and I look forward to working with him in this new position.”