Braehead Clan got their pre-season off to a flyer this weekend by reclaiming the Aladdin Cup with a 5-2 victory over Nottingham Panthers.

The EIHL League and Challenge Cup may not here for another two weeks but Ryan Finnerty's already look in promising shape after a rousing opening display at the Motorpoint Arena.

Braehead made some early inroads at Miika Wiikman in the Panthers’ goal when Corey Cowick’s shot smashed off the bar.

Despite some early pressure, the visitors couldn’t find the net, but Cowick changed that with the opening goal five minutes from the end of the first period.

A breakaway from Clan allowed the new player to go through and slot in from close range to beat Wiikman and take the lead.

Further chances from Kyle Wharton and Craig Peacock could have added at least another goal, but Wiikman was defiant despite being the busier of the two goalies.

The home side equalised in the second period as Matt Carter’s low shot found its way to the net at the expense of new Clan goalie Michal Zajkowski.

Panthers coach Corey Neilson gave netminder Dan Green the third period as both sides looked for that go-ahead goal that would decide the destination of the Aladdin Cup.

And it was Braehead that got it as Daniel Ahsberg’s low effort beat Green in the five-hole, from an assist by Peacock and Ryan Finnerty’s side has restored their lead.

This seemed to spark Clan into life in that final period as Matt Keith added a third, beating Green with another low shot.

Then Wharton’s effort got the better of the Panthers’ goalie to open up a three-goal advantage on 51.23, 14 seconds after Keith’s finish.

Nottingham pulled one back through former Clan forward Robert Farmer, who tapped the puck into Gary Russell’s empty net with seven to go.

But Scott Pitt rounded a good night off with an empty net goal after being teed up by Cowick and the Aladdin Cup was coming back to Glasgow for another year.