BRAEHEAD CLAN’S start to the domestic campaign proved not to be a Challenge this weekend with two convincing wins from two matches.
The Glasgow side had shaken off any ring rust already due to their participation in the Champions Hockey League over the last few weeks, a competition that has seen them skate four times already.
It certainly didn’t do them any harm as Ryan Finnerty’s men picked up from last week’s historic triumph over German side Ingolstadt with a pair of Challenge Cup victories over Fife Flyers and then Edinburgh Capitals.
Clan’s quest for silverware got going in Kirkcaldy on Saturday night at a venue notoriously difficult to play in and against a team who relish the opportunity of playing tough against their west coast rivals.
Yet on this occasion the Flyers were simply no match for Braehead as they were outclassed in a 5-1 thrashing.
Scottish signing Bari McKenzie kicked things off in style with two goals in the space of eight seconds during a frantic first period that saw Finnerty’s men 3-0 up by the opening break as Brendan Brooks added to the scoring.
Further strikes from Marcus Gotz and Scott Pitt put the tin lid on things, rendering Patrick Cullen’s effort in the third period nothing more than a tame consolation.
That win not only delivered a crucial two points but also kept Clan’s positive momentum rolling on going into Sunday night's visit to Murrayfield.
As it transpired, there would be no risk to Braehead’s bravado swelling even more in a comfortable 3-0 win over the Capitals.
However, they didn’t quite have it all their own way. Indeed, Chris Holt in the visiting goal had to be on top form to ensure that his team went into the second period tied at 0-0.
From there on in, it was all about the men in white and purple. Halfway through the game it was Jamie Fritsch who was on hand to help Clan into the lead, before Pitt added a second just over two minutes from the buzzer.
Braehead were not done, however, and there was still time in the third for Pitt to grab his second of the night and his third of a productive weekend that keeps the Braehead Arena outfit sitting on four Challenge Cup points from four.
Next up for last year’s runners up is their first Elite League game of the season this weekend.
Due to Disney on Ice moving in to Braehead for a month – a cross Clan fans have had to become accustomed to over the years – Clan still have six games of an eight-match stretch on the road to look forward to.
Their next port of call will be in Cardiff to face the Devils on Saturday.
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