BRAEHEAD CLAN may only be days into the off-season but they have already snapped up a new recruit in the form of Jordan Cownie.

 

SportTimes can exclusively reveal the Dundonian is the first player to sign up for the new campaign with the Glasgow side who beat off stiff competition for his signature.

A Great Britain under-20 internationalist, the 19-year-old has been in impressive form at EPL side MK Lightning over the last two years.

Cownie almost earned a move to Clan last year only for a deal not to materialise.

He then went on to enjoy another fine season in Milton Keynes, scoring 10 goals from 39 appearances, while also turning out twice for Braehead's EIHL rivals Nottingham Panthers in the Champions Hockey League.

However, it is Ryan Finnerty's Clan who won the battle for his signature on a permanent basis as the Scot returns north of the border for next season.

Cownie said: "It feels good so far to be a Braehead and I've been treated really well so far by Gareth [Chalmers, hockey operations director] and Ryan. I can't wait to get started.

"I almost signed for the Clan last year, but I came up short so after another year at Milton Keynes, I jumped at the chance when it came round again.

"I played a few games for Nottingham Panthers last year on a two-way deal, plus I got some experience of the Champions League and really enjoyed it.

"It was an opportunity I enjoyed and I feel I'm ready to make the step up from the English Premier League."

After making the move from Dundee Comets in the SNL, Cownie spent a year with Peterborough Phantoms in the EPL then a further two with Lightning.

He played in EPL play-offs last week at Coventry's Skydome, but went out at the semi finals to eventual runners-up Manchester Phoenix.

Cownie's dream of becoming a Braehead player was not to be this time last year, but he insists the experience of missing out makes him all the more keen and qualified to succeed this time.

He added: "In the last year, playing in a top line and big minutes has helped me get ready to finally make the step up to the Elite level.

"I just think one more year of getting stronger and smarter, as well as the two-way opportunity with the Panthers has given me more experience to take with me.

"I'm hoping I bring something different to your average British player, but that's something you could maybe ask me in September.

"But as a Scot, it's nice to get the opportunity to play my hockey so near where I'm from. I have a small family so it means they don't have far to travel to watch me."