RYAN FINNERTY believes his resurgent Braehead Clan are in ideal shape to meet Manchester Storm for the first time ever tonight.
The team based in Altrincham were parachuted into the Elite League during the summer as a result of Hull Stingrays going out of business.
After 12 games played the Storm have only managed to win three games, but it has not stopped Clan head coach Finnerty being impressed by how the newcomers have acquitted themselves in what is their maiden season in the British ice hockey top flight.
“We don’t know a tonne about Manchester to be honest. We are going on what we have heard and what we have seen in footage," he explained.
“They are a small-scaled fast team that is offensively talented. We have got to be on our toes because they can put the puck in the net.
“They have some pretty good players we need to be aware of. They have a great team. Manchester have caused sides problems and to be honest it doesn’t surprise me.
“It’s going to be a touch-and-go game, but it’s the first time we have played them and that brings its own excitement. We are looking forward to hosting them at Braehead and we are expecting a great game.”
Braehead may be going into the match on the back of a defeat, but it is not enough to dent confidence as their form appears to have returned along with their home comforts.
A long stint on the road due to Disney on Ice moving in to the Braehead Arena coincided with a stuttering run of form, resulting in just three wins from eight games.
Now back at Braehead, Clan have won both home games and only lost on a penalty shootout away to Dundee on Sunday, and there is a sense momentum is finally beginning to build behind last campaign's runners-up.
“It’s a real positive just now because guys are excited to be home,” said Finnerty. “We have a good run of games in our own building and that is a massive positive we have got to make the most of.
“Anytime a team comes to our building we want to put on a good show, especially for our fans.
“I don’t know if I can remember us ever playing on a Thursday night so that is excitement. But it’s a challenge we are up for and prepared for.
“We have had a decent week of training and the guys just want to play games. We are rolling pretty good right now and are developing our game. It’s a good time.”
The Canadian added: “I think things are definitely picking up. We are not where we need to be but we are getting closer. The positives in our game show that.
“We have run into a few injuries but overall guys are getting a better understanding of the system and the way we want to play. It’s just a matter of executing it.
“We are getting stronger day by day and I’m hoping everyone inside the Braehead Arena tonight will see that.”
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