Clan bravehearts ramp up tensions for Fife

RYAN FINNERTY is hoping to be sitting on Cloud Nine tonight as Braehead Clan size up another Fife Flyers scalp.

The men in purple travel to Kirkcaldy aiming to take the win count over their arch rivals into double digits.

After Fife won the first meeting of the two sides this season, Clan have looked unplayable against the team from the east on their way to another Gardiner Conference title.

With a play-off quarterfinal seeded place already secured, bragging rights are up for grabs.

“It’s all about performance and how we play,” said the Braehead head coach. “We have the luxury of sitting with the second/third play-off seeing spot but any time we go to fife we want to fife.

“We want to close out the series in pretty good fashion. They have a lot to play for, but it means a lot to us and our fans.”

Tonight’s Elite League tussle will be the first visit to Kirkcaldy for Clan since the ugly scenes in January when a fan was involved in an incident with Manchester Storm’s Eric Neilson.

“There is a huge rivalry between us and them,” said Finnerty “Any time we play it’s going to be hostile and tension.

“It’s fun. I know the guys enjoy it and they are looking forward to it.”

One man who will have sit out the fun is Mike Hammond.

The Canadian, who has hit 25 goals this term for Clan, injured his knee in last Saturday’s defeat to Sheffield Steelers and a scan tomorrow will reveal the extent of the damage.

“He is getting better and is progressing,” said Finnerty. “Hopefully we will hear that we can fasttrack his treatment to get him back, otherwise it may be surgery.

“It leaves a big hole in the line, a line that is possibly the hottest in the league. This is now a chance for others to step up.”