BRAEHEAD CLAN are searching for a new head coach after the shock departure of Drew Bannister.
The Elite League ice hockey side were rocked by the news that the Canadian was heading back to his homeland to become assistant at junior side Owen Sound Attack.
The deal emerged just two weeks after the 38-year-old committed his future to Clan for next season. Now the side face their second off season in-a-row without a head coach.
Bannister's move from Scotland came as a shock to the squad, with many players unaware of the move until Attack announced the deal.
It also throws into doubt the future of his fellow countryman Jade Galbraith, the league's top scorer, who is considering his future with the Braehead team.
Bannister, who guided Clan to sixth in the standings in his first season in charge after taking over from Bruce Richardson, said it was a 'tremendous' move for him and his family.
"My family and I are extremely excited," he said.
"I was very impressed with Dale DeGray (Attack general manager) and Greg Ireland (head coach) throughout the entire process and the chance to join an organisation like the Attack is tremendous."
A statement from the Clan said: "We understand Drew has accepted a job as an assistant coach in the Ontario Hockey League.
"Braehead Clan ice hockey club will be hoping to announce a new player coach for the 2012/13 season by the end of this month."