Jacob muscles in to join the Clan
CoachTripp welcomes ‘hard-hitting’ forward
Braehead Clan have announced the signing of American forward Jacob Doty, who becomes the ninth player on this season’s roster.
Doty stands at 6ft 3ins, weighing in at 235 pounds and arrives from the NHL’s St Louis Blues system. More recently, he has played in the AHL and ECHL.
He’s delighted to be sampling life in Europe as he makes his first move abroad and is looking forward to being part of John Tripp’s Braehead Clan.
“I’ve heard nothing but good things about Braehead Clan and the league from everyone I spoke to,” Doty said.
“I’ve had my eye on the Elite League for a while so it was about finding a spot.
“John’s looking for a fast, high-tempo team and I’ll bring a more physical aspect. That’s something I’ve done all through my career and the coach and I had good talks about the team and the direction it’s going in.
“I’m all about finishing checks and being smart defensively. I won’t take many minor penalties and I don’t like my team going short-handed.
“I’m not afraid to take a seat in the box for five minutes and stick up for my team- mates. Being hard to play against has been a staple part of my game ever since I started playing and I’m not going to stop now.”
Doty started out with Yellowstone Quake in the NPHL before moving on to Seattle Thunderbirds, then Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL.
Despite not being drafted in the NHL, the Blues offered him a contract after impressing in a tournament, but he never made the breakthrough.
The 2 4 - y e a r- o l d American was farmed out to Chicago Wolves in the AHL and with Alaska Aces in the ECHL, before spending last year with Missour i Maver icks, playing 57 times, scoring five and picking up 11 points.
His physical approach to the game is one that impressed Clan head coach Tripp, who was keen to move quickly after hearing of Doty’s availability.
Tripp said: “Bringing Jacob to Braehead was something I was keen to do when I heard he was available and he adds another dimension to our team.
“He’s young and hungry and a guy who’s not afraid to stand up for his teammates – and his physicality is an asset I believe will be a key part of what we’re trying to do this season.
“I’m delighted we were able to bring him to Braehead and he’s a player I believe will be one who will be popular with the fans. Hard-hitting kind of players are popular in any league and I’m excited to see what he’ll bring to my team.”