Braehead Clan forward Thomas Nesbitt has called time on his career after making the decision to retire from playing professionally.
The 25-year-old made 61 appearances for Clan, scoring 17 goals with 12 assists in his first and only trip overseas from North America.
Nesbitt revealed the decision to leave the sport had been on his mind for the last year.
He said: “I was pretty sure heading into the campaign there that it would be my last and that’s why I made the decision to come overseas.
“It meant I could see a bit of the world and I knew that if I didn’t take the opportunity I would always regret it.
“I made sure I got that experience and it never changed my mind about wanting to give up the game so it’s turned out to be my last year.
“I don’t know if I’ll miss playing professionally, which makes me think I’ve made the right decision, but I will play recreationally with my friends, which will help me get my fix.
“As for the future, I have a degree in business and have some interviews lined up. I don’t know how long that will take, but let’s see where this piece of paper gets me.”
Nesbitt arrived for the Clan just prior to the Champions Hockey League campaign from ECHL outfit Elmira Jackals.
He settled in straight away and weighed in with some key goals, particularly four of them in the Clan’s last three matches in the regular season that helped clinch the Gardiner Conference title.
But he insists his decision to come to Braehead was the right one and says he enjoyed the warmth of the Purple Army in the stands.
He added: “The season was really an up and down one because the expectations were so high. I’m not sure we lived up to them at times.
“But my decision to come over and play for Braehead is one I’m glad I did and I was delighted we were able to win the Conference.
“The Clan fans make playing for the team something special and they’re pretty famous around Britain for that.
“It’s certainly one of the best crowds I’ve ever played in front of that’s for sure and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
(Image permission: Al Goold Photo)
