RYAN FINNERTY is launching a fight on two fronts this weekend as Braehead Clan contest the Intu Cup.

The commencement of the EIHL is just a week away now and this weekend Glasgow's ice hockey heroes crank up their preparations another notch in the double header with the Belfast Giants.

Finnerty's team have already won the Aladdin Cup, but another piece of silverware at this early stage will only add to the hope that this is the year the men in purple finally claim the league title.

The Canadian head coach understands this. However, he is also looking for signs of improvement on last year, particularly in the Clan's special teams, to back up that confidence.

“Other than victories, I’m looking for progression in these two games and be better than before," he said. "We want to have better shape and have better understandings too.

“We’ve been working a lot on our special teams and we’ll look to put that into practice this weekend and get a look at different guys in those situations.

“At the end of the day, we want to be better, try out the different systems and come out of it injury free.

“We’re not too focused on Belfast though as I’d rather concentrate on our own systems and see how our players adapt and it’s a good opportunity to see where the guys are at.”

The first leg will take place at the Odyssey Arena this evening before Finnerty and his team host Belfast tomorrow at the Braehead Arena.

He added: “We’re picking up fast and the team is integrating well. The communication side of it has been great, as I said and we’re all trying to make sure we’re doing the same things.

“It’s something we didn’t have last year. It was a pretty quiet room, but this year, they all want to get on the same page and it’s been a lot of fun.

“Our D were talking to our forwards and helping with problem solving and any time guys are so comfortable to be talking so early in the season, it’s a good sign.

“It’s different from last year where we were thrown straight into the Champions League so I’m trying to get as much from these games as possible, while trying to get everyone on the ice."