The Glasgow Clan concluded their Playoff Finals Weekend by defeating the Manchester Storm 3-2 in the third-place playoff match.
Despite the Manchester Storm taking a 1-0 and 2-1 lead through goals from Connor Lee and Harrison Caines, a strong second-period performance from Glasgow secured the bronze medal.
Mike Messner, Hugo Roy, and Brady Risk scored for Glasgow. British Ice Hockey’s Luke James captured post-game interviews following the match.
Connor Lee, Manchester Storm:
Reflecting on his first goal, Lee expressed his excitement, stating, “It feels amazing… It’s been a long time coming, so hopefully the floodgates open now.” He described the season as a success for the Storm, who defied expectations as underdogs. Lee also highlighted the positive impact of coach Cameron Critchlow, crediting him with boosting his confidence and fostering a winning mentality within the team.
Robert Lachowicz, Glasgow Clan:
Lachowicz acknowledged the challenging nature of the third-place playoff but found the game enjoyable once focused. He characterized the Clan’s season as a “rollercoaster” with both highs and lows, emphasizing their strong finish and the “unbelievable” victory over Belfast. Lachowicz praised head coach Mike Sirant’s “dominant” influence, noting his demand for excellence and the team’s successful adaptation. Looking ahead to the summer, he expressed enthusiasm for representing Team Great Britain and their goal of remaining in their division.
Joe Hazeldine, Glasgow Clan:
Hazeldine echoed the sentiment of a season with ups and downs, concluding on a positive note. He believed the team could have contended for the championship, especially after their quarter-final win against Belfast. Hazeldine spoke about the team’s resilience following the mid-season coaching change, highlighting the “next-man-up mentality” under Mike Sirant and the strong bond within the group. For the upcoming Team Great Britain tournament, his focus is on securing their place in the division, confident in their ability to compete against other teams.
