LEE ESDERS has completed a magnificent seven by pledging his allegiance to Braehead Clan's cause next season.

Having dazzled on the ice in front of the Purple Army for the last two campaigns, the Brit is the seventh man to sign up for new term for a battle on the domestic and European front.

The 26-year-old returns to the club for his third year after making 110 appearances, scoring 16 goals and assisting in a further 22.

Coming back to the Braehead Arena was always an ambition of Esders.

The former Sheffield Steeler missed the grand finale of Clan's season last time out through injury, watching on painfully from the sidelines as his team were narrowly pipped to the EIHL title.

Now Esders is keen to play his part in putting that right. He said: "There was never any doubt that I wanted to come back here. As soon as the season ended, I met with coach Ryan Finnerty and my mind was already made up.

"I'm over the moon to be back. We had a great year last season, although it didn't end in the way I would have liked, but there's definitely room for improvement as was shown.

"I've always enjoyed my hockey here, especially in front of the fans, who have made it really enjoyable for me."

Now back and fully fit, Esders is desperate to sample European action for Braehead.

He's buoyed at the chance of a crack at the Champions Hockey League and the forthcoming trips to Växjö Lakers and ERC Ingolstadt.

He added: "I got injured towards the end of the season and it was disappointing I wasn't able to help out in the final push for the title and the play-off games with Hull.

"Obviously you want to be out there helping, but it was torture to have to watch when it came to the crunch time. Coming back next season gives me the chance to rectify that hopefully.

"But looking ahead, playing in Europe is a very exciting opportunity and the chance to represent your club abroad is a very special one.

"It's a great achievement for this club given its short existence and the season we had last year. It's a massive opportunity for us to establish ourselves on the continent.

"There are a few other countries it would have been nice to go to, but nevertheless we're there and it's something to look forward to."