RYAN FINNERTY'S raid of Braehead Clan continues at pace with the announcement Mike Hammond has swapped life in Glasgow for the Manchester Storm.

The former Clan head coach has already recruited former Braehead defenceman Jay Rosehill for his new squad in Altrincham with 27-year-old Hammond the latest to make the move south.

Hammond’s abilities made him a favourite with the Glasgow side. In 48 appearances he scored 26 goals while picking up 49 points along the way.

“Mike was someone I brought into the Clan partway through last season and what an impact he made,” Finnerty said of the Canadian centre.

“When I was doing my reference checks on him last year, all his previous coaches passed comment on not just his overall ability, but also his enthusiasm for the game.

“He took everyone by surprise with his level of skill and showed how lethal he is in front of goal too.

“Mike picked up an injury towards the end of last season which stopped him in his tracks, but he's over that now and getting himself ready for a big season in Manchester.

“Storm fans are going to love Hammy and what he brings to the team every night and I'm delighted he has decided to follow me to Manchester.”

It is believed that the option to return to Braehead was open to the former Cincinnati Cyclone, with the Clan fans' favourite now looking elsewhere for a new hero.

Storm General Manager Neil Russell was also thrilled to secure the former Clan forward is glad to have him on his team rather than against him this time.

Russell said: “Mike is someone that was a thorn in the Storm's side last season and I know a lot of last season’s team passed comment on him every time we played against the Clan.

“Given his skill and overall offensive output, Ryan was really keen to get him on board here at the Storm Shelter for next season and I'm delighted we have managed to secure him.”

Currently seven out of the nine players already signed for John Tripp's maiden season as head coach in Scotland are returning Clansmen, including Matt Haywood, Bari McKenzie and Gary Russell.

Elsewhere in the EIHL, Fife Flyers’ defenceman Russ Moyer is looking forward to a prolonged stay with the club after announcing he's signed up for a second year in Kirkcaldy.