Thanks for everything Clan salutes outgoing captain
Braehead Clan has paid tribute to outgoing captain Matt Keith after the Canadian confirmed he is to depart the club.
Keith called time on his spell in Renfrewshire having signed from Red Bull Salzburg in Austria back in 2014.
He would go on to skipper the side under former head coach Ryan Finnerty, who has also left the club following the disappointment of their play-off exit just under a fortnight ago.
Gareth Chalmers, hockey and operations director, said: “When the opportunity came around three years ago to sign Matt we knew he was a player we couldn’t miss out on.
“We were looking for a player to build the organisation around, bring the leadership, ambition, drive and professionalism to the locker room we wanted – and Matt brought that.
“During Matt’s time as captain we have won three Gardiner Conference titles, finished runners-up in the EIHL, qualified for the Champions Hockey League – three good years for such a young organisation.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Matt for his time with the organisation. Our door will always be open. He will always be welcome back at Braehead and has become an important part of our history.”
And Keith admitted it was with a heavy heart that he has chosen to leave Braehead.
He added: “I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
“The last three years turned into something I couldn’t have imagined and I am very grateful for that.
“It was a pleasure to play under a coach and person like Ryan, it was a privilege to pull the Braehead jersey on, and it was an absolute honour to wear the captains ‘C’ on my heart and try to put my best foot forward every day.
“Over the past three years, I have met so many wonderful people, and formed many lifelong friendships I will forever hold close. From the official supporters club, to the fans, off-ice officials, the staff and management, thank you for everything.
“Thank you for three great years. There were a lot of ups and downs, but the Clan always treated myself and my family with so much respect and kindness and we are very appreciative of that.
“To my team mates from all three years, thank you for allowing me to be a leader. It was a role I took great pride in. I learned and grew so much, so thank you.”