BRAEHEAD CLAN are still confident they can bring back the heroes of last season - despite Zack Fitzgerald's exit.

The 29-year-old enforcer turned down the option of a second spell in Glasgow last week to sign for EIHL champions Sheffield Steelers.

A former NHL defenceman, Fitzgerald was a big part of Braehead's strength last campaign as they finished a point off top spot, although members of the Purple Army will not miss the 336 minutes he spent in the penalty box.

It is understood Coventry Blaze also offered the American a deal, with Clan initially keen to see him stay before both parties decided to go their separate ways.

A Clan spokesman said: "Zack was what we were looking for last summer, and what a superb ambassador off the ice he was for the club. We would like to wish Zack all the very best for the future."

A number of last season's stars have also been offered contracts to return, with Matt Haywood, Zach Sullivan, Lee Esders, Matt Keith and Ben Davies already confirmed.

Two more signings are expected this week, with the first later today as the Brit pack in Braehead's squad starts to fill up.

While the home-grown talent at the club continues to arrive, it is the key imports from last term that the club are now keen to target.

Fans will be keen to find out the latest about netminder Kyle Jones, who is still considering his options, as well as favourites Stefan Meyer, Derek Roehl and Scott Aarssen to name but a few.

SportTimes understands head coach Ryan Finnerty, who is currently back in his Canadian homeland, is still in contact with those he wishes to see return and is monitoring their situations closely.

On top of that, we can confirm a number of offers have also been made to new targets about the chance of joining Scotland's premier ice hockey team.

A strong squad will be needed for Clan's maiden adventure in the Champions Hockey League at the start of the new campaign, and Braehead bosses hope to start hearing back next month about any potential signings.

Elsewhere in the Elite League, the Steelers confirmed yesterday they have signed 32-year-old winger Fredrik Vestberg from Swedish outfit Almtuna, while Dundee Stars head coach Marc LeFebvre has confirmed goalie Craig Holland has penned a new deal.