Battling Clan prove too slick for Norway’s Oilers

Pete Russell’s new-look Clan signed off pre-season in style with a thrilling 2- 1 win over Stavanger Oilers.

Rasmus Bjerrum’s third period strike sealed the confidence-boosting victory for the hosts in what was the final game of the Summer Series.

But they were forced to do it the hard way as they battled back from behind to seal the victory.

The Oilers looked like slippery opponents in the first period when Markus Sohberg scored just three minutes into the clash, shortly after Stephan Vigier had tested Joel Rumpel in the Clan goal.

The Norwegians continued to lay siege as Peter Lorentzen struck the post shortly afterwards to cause some concern among the defence and the supporters packed into Braehead Arena.

But the home side never let their heads go down and they continued to rally away in a bid to find an equaliser.

It eventually came after some good passing saw Matt Beca tee up Scott Tanski to turn and fire an effort past Oilers goialkeeper Henrik Holm, who had no chance of stopping the strike.

Russell’s side were unlucky not to be ahead moments later when Matt Stanisz found himself clean through on Holm, but the Norwegian was this time a match for the strike as he tipped the puck away.

The second period was slightly less dramatic, although both sides went close as they struck the posts in a slower period.

Mats Larsen Mostue struck a diagonal shot that struck the bar on Rumpel’s right as the puck bounced back into play.

Zach Sullivan then set one up with a pass into the centre but Beca couldn’t divert his effort on target as it struick the bar and away from danger.

Into the third period and Clan had the momentum.

Scott Pitt had his side’s first opportunity but Holm rebuffed his advances with another snap save.

But it was Bjerrum who came up with the goods with just six minutes to go, taking full advantage of the powerplay to fire over Holm’s shoulder following a neat assist from Brendan Connolly.