THIS season's Clan gathering is far better equipped to weather a wintry storm on the ice.

That was the message from Braehead goaltender Kyle Jones as the insatiable desire for silverware drives the Glasgow club into the second half of the season.

Clan currently sit second in the Elite Ice Hockey League, just as they did this time last year.

Twelve months ago Ryan Finnerty's group of players went into Christmas with front runners Belfast Giants firmly in their sights. However, two defeats to the Northern Irish cracks saw the beginning of the end of their title challenge, with Braehead eventually finishing in fifth.

But with them just one point off current leaders Sheffield Steelers ahead of this weekend's double header with Dundee Stars, Jones is sure the strength of character and quality in this group will not falter.

"This year is to improve on last year after we slipped down a bit last season when we ended up fifth," the Canadian told SportTimes.

"The goal is always to win the league with this group of players. It's all about winning silverware this year. Everyone is focused on achieving that and as long as we focus and bring it I think we will be okay.

"We have a stronger team than we did last season in my opinion. So we just need to look to improve.

"I think we have had a few injuries lately but I think Finner has done a great job in recruiting this year."

If Clan are to remain at the forefront of matters in the EIHL they will need to avoid a repeat of Wednesday night's 4-2 defeat at home to Edinburgh Capitals.

The hosts spurned a two-goal lead in a late collapse that was compounded by some truly questionable refereeing calls.

Jones refused to be drawn into that debate, but did admit a reaction from that loss is needed. Starting tonight at the Braehead Arena.

"They came out hard in the third and they ended up surpassing us at the end," said the goalie.

"I'm not going to comment on anything that might have happened during the game but they came back and won and that's what matters.

"It's frustrating. We feel like we should have won that game and it just slipped out of our hands. We were up on them early in the first period.

"But credit to Edinburgh, they fought back. They have been the hottest team in the league lately and you saw that on Wednesday.

"Games like that are going to happen. It's a long season and we need to forget about it.

"We have to look forward to Dundee tonight and again tomorrow."

With Christmas next week Finnerty is allowing his players a well-earned break for a few days before Belfast come to town next weekend.

And Jones added: "I'm like a big kid just now, I love Christmas.

"It's a long season so you need to take the break when you can get it. Having more than one day off a week is nice!

"It re-energises you and makes you more determined for the second half of the season."