Ryan Finnerty is delighted to have re-signed Scott Pitt for a third term at Braehead Clan and has signalled him out as one of the key men to take the club’s title challenge to the next level.

The man from Ottowa, Canada has been one of the most consistent performers for his countryman’s side over the past two campaigns ever since he arrived from German side Eispiraten Crimmitshau in 2014.

After two years he's made 121 appearances in all competitions, scoring 60 goals and assisting in 66 during his time on Clyde side.

It is understood Pitt is just the first of several potential signings over the next week or so, and head coach Finnerty believes Clan have pulled off a coup in keeping the former AHL star in Glasgow.

He said: "Bringing him back was important and I feared he was a player we would lose so I'm happy we've got him tied up for another year.

"Pitt's been such a strong player for us and I was worried either he would look to try another league or he'd get an offer from a team in this league.

"I think Scott Pitt is one of the most underrated players in our league. He can play on the wing and in the centre and a low maintenance guy to work with.

"He's there when we need and can play on the penalty kill, on the powerplay and can pick up some big minutes. It's tough to value a player like that.

"I think a healthy Scott Pitt is a dangerous one and could be among the top scorers next season. He scores big and timely goals and there's no reason why he can't be a top ten or top five player."

Clan's hockey & operations director Gareth Chalmers added: "We're delighted to be welcoming Scott Pitt back to the club for a third consecutive season.

"Scott was immense for us towards the back end of the season, we know exactly what we are going to get with him, so it was a very easy decision to offer him a new deal."