Ice Hockey: Richardson could be Bruce almighty

Mar 11 2011 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

BRAEHEAD Clan player/coach Bruce Richardson has been shortlisted for a top end-of-season award.

The Clan ice-man has been included in a shortlist of three who are in the running for the Elite League Coach of the Year gong.

Richardson is up against Cardiff Devils player/coach Gerad Adams and Newcastle Vipers’ player/coach Danny Stewart for the top accolade.

The three men will learn their fate when the winner is announced on Friday, April 1, in Nottingham.

Richardson has successfully guided the Clan to an end-of-season play-off spot in the Elite League. This their first season after being established only a year ago.

And it’s hoped that he can deliver some silverware to the Braehead Arena and end a debut season on a major high.

The nominations for the coach of the year awards came from all 10 Elite League clubs.

And a spokesman for the Elite League has predicted a tough three-way battle for the top honour.

He said: “Braehead Clan player/coach Bruce Richardson has done wonders in the club’s inaugural season and his never-say-die attitude has rubbed off on his players.

“The Clan have broken into the top five in the Elite League and have a great chance of finishing in the top half of the table.

“Also in the running is Cardiff player/coach Gerad Adams.

“He has had a great season in Wales and the Devils are one of three sides in contention for the Elite League title.

“Adams also led his side to the Challenge Cup semi-finals, before a two-legged defeat to Belfast.

“Finally there is Newcastle Vipers player/coach Danny Stewart.

“He’s done remarkable things with the depleted North East side.

“Stewart’s men reached the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup with a remarkable victory in Belfast in their final group game.

“They lost their two-legged semi-final to Nottingham Panthers but a first-leg victory over the Panthers in Whitley Bay and a stunning come-from-behind win in the league against the same opposition have been real highlights.”

In other Braehead Clan news, the team have set a date for their end of season awards bash.

It will take place at the Glynhill Hotel, in Renfrew, on Wednesday, March 23.

Clan spokesperson Lorraine Sands said: “It will be a fantastic way to round off the season, reward the team and acknowledge how far they have come since the start of the season.”

The Clan, who have their home ice at Braehead Arena, have just over a month left in their inaugural season in the Elite League.”

Lorraine said: “Having started their season back in October 2010 the Braehead boys’ new franchise has certainly made its mark in the hockey world and they go from strength to strength each week.”

The awards up for grabs on the night are as follows: Players Player, Most Improved Player, Community Award, Unsung hero, Top Goal Scorer and Top Points Leader.

Fans will also have the chance to vote for their MVP (Most Valuable Player) and Best Entertainer.

The club will be issuing fans with details on how to vote for their favourites soon on their website, Twitter and Facebook.

Tickets for the awards are priced £42.50 per person, which includes a three-course meal, coffee and mints.

The ceremony will be hosted by player/coach Bruce Richardson and all the players will be there on the night to pick up any awards they win and mingle with fans.

As well as the individual tickets, the Clan are also offering a discounted table rate when you purchase a full table (10 persons) – at a cost of £400.

The evening itself will start at 7pm with dinner served at 7.30pm.

The presentation of the awards will follow dinner with a chance afterwards to mingle with and congratulate the lucky winners and chat to all the Clan team.

To book your tickets simply e-mail office@braeheadclan.com with the number of tickets you require, your name and contact telephone number.

Tickets will also be available to order or purchase at the merchandise stall at the Clan home games throughout this month.

Tickets for Braehead Clan home games can be bought online via Ticketmaster UK, by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0844 499 1700 or from the Box Office at Braehead.

You can check out all the latest Clan news on www.braeheadclan.com as well as following them on Facebook and Twitter for up to the minute happenings.