Howlett deal shows Clan are building for future Mac joins Braehead from Finnish club
Braehead Clan head coach Pete Russell insists the signing of Great Britain under-20s star Mac Howlett shows the club are building for the future.
The 18-year-old has joined Clan from Finnish outfit SaiPa where he had played for their under-18 and under-20s sides.
Prior to heading to Scandinavia, Howlett also played his junior career in Basingstoke, Guildford and at the Okanagan Hockey Academy in Swindon.
Howlett is no stranger to one Clan man having starred alongside Jordan Buesa on the international scene. And Russell admits it is Howlett’s prowess on the grand stage that alerted him to the youngster’s talents in the first place.
He said: “I am delighted to add Great Britain forward Mac Howlett to our roster for the season ahead.
“Mac is a very talented player, great skater, very good hands and see’s the ice well.
“He loves the game and wants to be the best he can be and do all he can for the team.
“I have known Mac for a long time and he was part of the Okanagan Hockey Academy before moving to play for SaiPa in Finland for the past two season’s.
“He has been developing in a great hockey nation and has grown in size which will only benefit his game.
“In Glasgow we must also build for the future and try to be a step ahead. Mac is one of these steps we have to take and also be patient with him.
“It’s a great opportunity for him and I know he will make the most of it. Aside from playing hockey, Mac is going to be studying in Glasgow.
“He is long term committed to Glasgow and the Clan, and we are committed to developing Mac over the coming seasons.”
Howlett becomes the 14th player to join the Clan for 2018/19 following the re-signings of Craig Peacock, Michal Gutwald, Matt Haywood, Zach Sullivan and Gary Russell. Matt Stanisz, Gerard Hanson, Joel Rumpel, Scott Tanski, Rasmus Bjerrum, Jack Musil, Zack Fitzgerald and the returning Scott Pitt gives the side a fresh look under new gaffer Russell.