EXCLUSIVE

By SCOTT MULLEN

LIAM STEWART could be wearing purple well next season as Braehead Clan launch a sensational bid to lure the son of iconic rocker Rod Stewart to Glasgow.

Stewart, a Great Britain under-20 cap, is the subject of interest from the Elite Ice Hockey League outfit who are keen to make him part of next season’s title bid.

SportTimes can exclusively reveal Braehead head coach Ryan Finnerty and club chiefs have been keeping tabs on the 20-year-old, who has been with Western Hockey League side the Spokane Chiefs in Washington for the last four campaigns.

Last term Stewart enjoyed his best return with 25 goals and 28 assists from 71 games.

If Clan could clinch a deal for him, it would represent one of the most significant signings in the club’s history that would potentially open the Braehead Arena club up to a whole new audience.

Currently playing to 3500 sell-out crowds most weeks, Stewart’s profile, not to mention his undoubted talents at centre, would only help to grow Braehead’s reputation not only in the UK but throughout Europe and beyond.

Despite having been capped for Team GB’s U20s and the fact he holds a British passport, the London-born ace, who is based in the States and whose mother is New Zealand model Rachel Hunter, would come off Clan’s import quota due to Ice Hockey UK’s strict regulations and rules.

It is understood Stewart would be seen as a direct replacement for Derek Roehl who looks set not to return for a second spell in purple.

The former Fife Flyer became a firm favourite with the Purple Army last time out as his presence on the ice played a major part in Braehead’s success last season.

However, Roehl is expected not to return to the UK after setting up home back in North America with his partner.

Speaking to the Evening Times’ sister publication The Herald back in 2013 about life as a professional ice hockey player with a rock star as a dad, Stewart said: "I just think of myself as any other guy.

"Obviously some people are going to think of me differently because of who my parents are, but I put that behind me and get along with all the guys. Nobody in [the dressing room] has mentioned it or put on any Rod Stewart songs.

"I've spoken to my dad and he's really proud of me. It's a bummer he couldn't come out and watch [Team GB U20s playing France in Dumfries] but I know he's supporting me. It's an honour, an honour to play for GB. I'm real excited and we're going to do good in this tournament.

"I don't get over too often - I'm always back home in LA - and this is my first time in Scotland in four years. The last time was when I came over to visit my dad. It's been a while, a long time. But I'm glad I made it."

Meanwhile, SportTimes has learned that former Clan goaltender Kyle Jones could be lining up against the Glasgow outfit next season.

He was told last week that a new deal for a third term in purple would not be forthcoming, and it is understood the Canadian is the subject of interest from new EIHL side Manchtester Storm.

The Storm were only voted into the league last week due to Hull Stingrays going into liquidation.