The moves keep on coming in the Elite League as Manchester Storm, Dundee Stars and Glasgow Clan all added to their rosters, but Belfast Giants and Clan are seeing former heroes head for pastures new.
On Friday, Manchester Storm announced the signing of Scott Simmonds, who joins from the University of Guelph Gryphons and is set for his first campaign in pro hockey after five years in the USports League.
The 25-year-old centreman is reunited with Guelph team-mate Cody Thompson, who had already committed to the Storm for the new season.
Leaving the Shelter though is Linden Springer, who was announced as Zack Fitzgerald’s first signing for Glasgow Clan since taking over from Pete Russell.
Springer spent two years at the club and iced over 100 times for Ryan Finnerty’s side, making him a favourite with the fans during his time there.
Speaking to The Herald, Springer admits he has some work to do to win over the Clan fans after getting jeered by them in the past.
Linden Springer has swapped Manchester Storm for Glasgow Clan (PHOTO: Mark Ferriss)
He said: “It’s not an easy place to play in and the passion of the fans is something I took from my experiences there in the past. I think I’ve upset a few people over the last couple of years, but I leave it all out there.
“The fans will see that in time plus I like to think I’m a genuine guy so I hope they’ll buy into it early on. But I do know that my style of play can be something of a love or hate thing if you’re a fan.”
As yet, his destination is not known, but coach Zack Fitzgerald admits there was a deal made to him, he’s disappointed to lose him.
He told the Clan website: “We had offered him a new contract, however he has informed us today that he has decided to pursue a new opportunity away from the Clan.
“While it’s very disappointing news to digest right now, I wanted to let the Purple Army know prior to his new team announcing his signing.
Justin Maylan has checked in for Dundee Stars (PHOTO: Villacher)
Pacha revealed his new guy was the subject of interest from elsewhere, but was pleased to land his man, as he told the Dundee Stars website: “Justin was on my radar and we made him an offer and fortunately for us, there were a few teams after him but he decided to come to Dundee.
“All the references I got said he was very skilled, he sees the ice really well and he’s a good playmaker. He’s a guy that puts up numbers and he is shifty too, he’s got great vision and he has a good shot.”
Fife Flyers also added with the recapture of talented youngster Jordan Buesa, who has signed on for a second year in Kirkcaldy.
Buesa joins Bari McKenzie and Chase Schaber on the roster and knows he has to work harder in the new season.
He told the Fife Flyers website: “I’m really excited to play for the Flyers again next season. I’ll be training hard throughout the summer to ensure I’m fit and healthy for the season ahead.
“I’ll give my all for the fans and coaches and I know what is expected of me, so it’s just about making sure I deliver.”
Tyler Beskorowany has moved to Slovakian champions Banska Bystrica (PHOTO: Scott Wiggins)
Leaving the Elite League are Belfast Giants pair Tyler Beskorowany and Darcy Murphy, who had their destinations confirmed after news of their imminent departure broke last week.
Beskorowany leaves the UK after a year and a half to head to Slovakia, joining Banska Bystrica, who won the play-offs and were headed by former Dundee Stars coach Dan Ceman, although it’s not known if he will be there next year.
While Darcy Murphy is off to Germany to sign for Corey Neilson’s Lausitzer Füchse, a move confirmed by the DEL2 side on their website on Monday.
Speaking to the website, the former Nottingham Panthers coach said: “Darcy is a top scorer who likes to hit. He’s persistent and a hard worker, scoring more than 50 goals last season and reaching more than 100 points in a championship with 14 import players and a very good league.
“His commitment was my main goal and I am very happy that we have agreed. Special thanks go to Steve Saviano, who is a former teammate of Darcy as he was instrumental in encouraging Darcy to choose White Water.”
