Braehead Clan to renew east-west Scottish rivalry in Elite League

NEW ice hockey franchise Braehead Clan has announced they will join the Elite League for the 2010 season.

Nottingham Panthers owner Neil Black has formed the team which will play at the 4,000-seater Breahead Arena in Glasgow.

Former Superleague franchise Scottish Eagles played six home games at the Braehead Arena before folding in 2002 but, with a manger and coach staff to be named imminently, Black insisted the new side will be a success.

And with a rivalry with fellow Scottish outfit Edinburgh Capitals sure to emerge, Black admitted it was an exciting time to be involved with Scottish ice hockey.

"This is a fantastic shot in the arm for Scottish and British ice hockey," added Black.

"People should be in no doubt that ice hockey as a sport is being strengthened and developed with an expanded league of nine teams.

"There will be a great rivalry between the west and east of Scotland Elite League teams when the Capitals and Braehead Clan clash on the ice."