Braehead Clan have confirmed the return of Matt Haywood for his seventh season, with the forward signing a new two-year deal which will see him stay at the club until the end of 2017/18.

The forward is the only player to remain from the club when it began on 2010, racking up over 300 Elite League appearances and registering almost 150 points.

Head Coach Ryan Finnerty said: “The important thing for Matt is he stays fit in the new season. Unfortunately for him, it hasn’t been small injuries he’s suffered from.

“When he plays he’s consistent on the ice and that’s a big thing. We hope he can stay injury free instead of sitting out for a period of time.

“Everybody’s a Haywood fan – he’s a guy who can play anywhere on your line and a popular guy in the room. He’s a good professional and he’s been here a long time.

“Both parties wanted to be here and it was a fairly easy negotiation and it’s one we were glad to get sorted out quickly.

“Having guys like Haywood help to give an understanding of how I like to work things and Matt is someone who is key to that, having been here since day one.”

Clan have also announced defenseman Marcus Gotz has left the club to sign for Bad Nauheim of the German DEL2.

Hockey and Operations Director Gareth Chalmers commented: “We’d like to thank Marcus and his partner Sam for their time at the Clan and wish them all the best with Bad Nauheim.

“With Marcus having a German passport, he is highly valuable in that market, so we were always aware that he would have considerable interest this summer.”

(Image permission: Al Goold Photo)