SCOTTISH-BORN netminder Gary Russell yesterday told Braehead Clan bosses: "I'm not here to sit on the bench."

The 25-year-old has joined the Glasgow-based, Elite League club after seven years with Dumfries' Solway Sharks.

Russell, from Baillieston near Glasgow, said: "I see this as an opportunity to better myself and I'm ready for a new challenge."

He added: "I've always wanted to play for the club but I've never been a position where I could play full-time for the Clan and now it's come. I'm happy to grab it now as it could be my last."

Meanwhile, Clan will defend the Aladdin Cup title against Nottingham Panthers in a one-off game at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham on Sunday, 30 August (6.00pm face-off).

The Clan have held the Aladdin Cup for two years having defeated Amiens (France) in 2013 and Asiago (Italy) in 2014.