Braehead Clan have confirmed forward Bari McKenzie has signed for his third season with the club.
McKenzie has a wealth of experience across the Elite League and has previously iced for Cardiff Devils, Belfast Giants, Edinburgh Capitals and Dundee Stars before arriving at Braehead in the summer of 2015.
The 30-year-old has also won the Gardiner Conference three times as well as represented the Clan in the 2015/16 Champions Hockey League.
Clan’s Hockey and Operations Director Gareth Chalmers said: “We’re glad Bari has returned for another season – he’s someone the fans appreciate for the effort he puts in on the ice.
“One of the key areas of Bari’s game is the workrate and effort he puts into every shift, something fans love to see of any player in any team.
“With a new coach coming in, players like Bari are going to play a key role in the team, with new players coming in as well looking ahead to the new campaign.
“He has plenty of experience, not only as a player in the Elite League, but of the club and he will be the sort of player John Tripp will look to in helping the team come together.
“Off the ice Bari’s a great guy as well and, from a personal point of view, someone I enjoy working with and it’s great to have him back again.”
McKenzie says he’s willing to do anything to help the team and admitted he had no hesitation in signing his new deal.
“It was an easy decision – there was no doubt about it,” he said. “Since I arrived everything’s been brilliant. I’ve loved second of my time and there’s nowhere else I’d rather play.
“When it came to the negotiations they were easy and I’ve added another year on the contract I had, so I’m pleased at that.
“The appointment of the new coach was good and I think people were getting worried about us not having a coach. The management worked very hard to get the right man in place.
“When it was announced, I had a look online to see his record and what sort of career he’s had. Probably everybody did and it looks good.
“I spoken to him since he was appointed and he seems very driven and I think he’s the right man for the job who can lead us to bigger and better things.
“He asked me about what role I play and I told I can play wherever he wants me. Whether that’s the first line, second line or whatever, I’ll play where I’m told.
“I’m at an age now where personal goals are on the back-burner. I just want to win and whatever I can do to help the team win, I’ll do it.
“Any situation I’ve been put in, I like to think I try my hardest and I’ll continue to do that for the new coach and the team next season.”
(Image permission: Al Goold Photo)
