Coach wants to see more of the same as Clan take on Dundee
Braehead Clan head coach John Tripp believes his side are on the right track as they look to build on their recent good home form this weekend.
Clan welcome Gardiner Conference rivals, the Dundee Stars, to Braehead Arena tomorrow night, with the new head coach hoping that his side can build upon last weekend’s victory over Guildford Flames.
The hosts prevailed 3-2 on Sunday, having also produced an improved performance on the road at Nottingham Panthers the previous evening, although eventually succumbing to defeat at the hands of the European hopefuls.
Tripp insists he has seen enough from his side to hold out hope that their current home form can roll into another week.
The Canadian said: “Sunday’s win against Guildford was a massive result for us.
“Taking into consideration we started slow and we were 2-0 down, to turn the game around and get a win was testament to the character we have in this team.
“That’s now seven points out of a possible 10 points in the league on home ice and we need to continue that good form as we head into tomorrow.
“As Dundee showed against Belfast on Sunday, they are a good team and one we have to be ready for.
“If we go into the game with the same attitude we showed in the second and third period on Sunday, we are capable of beating anyone.
“We played physical against Guildford and sent a message that we’re not here to roll over. I’ll be expecting more of that this weekend.”
Tripp watched on as his side battled until the very end of the clash, fighting it out to get the points on the board. And he admits that impressed him most from the win over the Flames on Sunday as he bids to engrain a grit and determination into his side.
He added: “We played with desire and energy. The fans really enjoyed it, the players too — they get a feel for it.
“That is part of the identity that I have been hoping for since training camp and we can develop that even further.
“We are not going to jump too far ahead of ourselves. We took a good step forward here.
“People might not know this, but our first period in Nottingham was probably some of the best hockey we have played.
“We are starting to string more and more consistency along.”
If we go into the game with the same attitude, we are capable of beating anyone John Tripp