FOR years it was Firhill for thrills in Glasgow.

Not it's time for Braehead Arena to provide the excitement.

The new Elite Ice Hockey League season is just over a week away, with 10 clubs up and down the UK getting ready to battle it out for the title.

For Braehead Clan, it's a challenge they are relishing. And with the team continuing to assemble for the new campaign, expectation is building among Clan fans that Ryan Finnerty's group are capable of reaching new heights.

Last season record crowds flocked to the 3,500-capacity Arena, where full houses are expected to be commonplace over the coming months. It is a prospect that excites Leigh Salters, who was recruited by coach Finnerty from league rivals Nottingham Panthers

The 25-year-old forward can't wait to skate out in front of the Purple Army, starting with this weekend's double header against Italian cracks Asiago in the Aladdin Cup.

He said: "We had our first practice on Tuesday morning at Auchenharvie and now we are really looking forward to getting started.

"There is genuine excitement to get the season rolling and start gelling as a team as quickly as possible.

"The guys know we'll have two difficult games against Asiago on Saturday and Sunday, however we want to retain the Aladdin Cup. The fans can have a major part to play in helping us do that.

"When I came here with Nottingham last season I was always very impressed with the noise in the building."

Tickets are selling fast for the visit of Asiago this weekend but can still be bought via braeheadclan.com, by calling 0844 499 1700 or direct from the Braehead Arena box office.