RYAN FINNERTY hopes the feel-good factor from Glasgow 2014 can rub off on Braehead Clan.

The head coach was back in his Canadian homeland when the Commonwealth Games exploded into life in the city he and his family now call home, with his compatriots finishing third in the medal table.

It was a Games that not only illuminated Glasgow as one of the world's brightest sporting hubs but a spectacle which opened the eyes of many Scots to unfamiliar sports such as judo, lawn bowls and gymnastics.

While ice hockey did not quite make it into the list of 17 sports for this summer's showpiece, Finnerty is confident Clan can now ride on a wave of excitement within Scottish sport.

He said: "I caught a bit of the Commonwealth Games back home. Any time Canada won something there was a lot of coverage on TV.

"I managed to watch some table tennis and a few other fascinating sports. It would have been nice to have been here in Glasgow for it.

"The weather was nice for a change and it was good to see the city do so well. There was a lot of praise in Canada for the organisation of it all.

"But ice hockey is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the UK, especially within Scotland.

"It's important we get new fans through the door so that they can appreciate our sport for what it is.

"Ice hockey has a bit of a bad reputation with some as a 'thug' sport when it's completely the opposite.

"It's a real team game and I feel that people who like rugby would love it."

Attendances at the Clan's games often top 3,000 and Finnerty hopes a winning run can help them pack out Braehead Arena regularly.

"Our crowds grew so much last season and I think we're in line to do that again this time round," he said.

"We need to keep putting on good entertainment for our fans. We need a team who'll work hard for a win."

Finnerty returned to Glasgow last week to prepare his squad for next weekend's Aladdin Cup double-header against Italian side Asiago.

He admitted it was good to be back in the city this time round without the teething troubles he faced following his appointment as Clan coach in April 2013.

Finnerty said: "It's nicer coming back to Glasgow this year when I actually know where I'm going. I don't get lost as much. Last year it was all new to me and I had to figure it all for myself. But I've settled in now.

"People are so friendly here and that helps so much. We've made some incredible friends we can call up to go for a meal or drink.

"Now I can't wait to get the new season started."