NEWS: Landmark partnership for Clan with GCU

NEXT HOME GAME: See Glasgow Caledonian University student Adam Brace in action THIS FRIDAY (7:30pm face-off), when the Cardiff Devils are visitors to Braehead Arena. Tickets are available NOW via TICKETMASTER or by calling 0844 499 1700.

Former NHLer Ryan Potulny was attracted to Glasgow’s Braehead Clan thanks to a new partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University.

The new deal between the University and Glasgow’s only professional ice hockey team has resulted in players from across the pond choosing to combine their sporting ambitions with advancing their education.

In a bid to secure top flight players with competitive packages, the partnership has secured two elite ice hockey professionals Ryan Potulny and Adam Brace to the Clan.

American professional player Ryan Potulny joined the Clan this season from Austrian side EHC Linz. Ryan has had an impressive career since turning professional while studying at the University of Minnesota.

He has played for more than a decade at the top of his game and is combining his love for sport in Scotland with a postgraduate qualification in BA (Hons) in International Marketing at the University’s Glasgow School for Business and Society.

He said: “It’s a huge advantage to be able to complete my education and play hockey, as you can’t play forever.

“One of the things that brought me here is the city of Glasgow, its people, and the University, which looked excellent. That was a big factor in coming here to the Clan as well as the team which has been great with us.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for players though it can be tough at times with games and classes each demanding a significant amount of time – it’s a balancing act to make sure you can do both aspects, and do it right, but I’ve had great support from teaching staff and our coaches.”

Ryan is joined by fellow professional Adam Brace, who hails from Ontario, Canada. He is studying an MSc in International Business Management, following what he describes as a ‘seven-year hiatus in his education’ to focus on his playing career.

Adam, a graduate of the Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, said: “I came to Glasgow as I had the opportunity to study at GCU as well as further my playing career with the Braehead Clan. The University is very welcoming to international students, it’s accessible, and I don’t know why you wouldn’t come to Glasgow to continue your education and continue to play. GCU is family-orientated with lots of support from the academic staff. I love the diversity of the programme and the number of people from different parts of the world, each with a different perspective.”

Clan Commercial Director Andy McLaughlin said: “This partnership is a massive step forward for the Clan organisation and will provide huge assistance to Coach John Tripp as he looks to recruit in the future.

“Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) allows us far greater scope in attracting players particularly from North America. It’s attractive to them to come to Glasgow and to combine their studies. In addition to the provision of these study places we will be working closely with the University and its students on a range of projects over the next few months. This is a landmark announcement for the Club and will bring many benefits to the whole organisation.”

The Club approached the University initially and, as the relationship has evolved, students from across the university will be offered work experience opportunities to ensure they are work ready.

Pro Vice-Chancellor International and Vice-Principal Dr Jeanine Gregersen-Hermans welcomed the partnership. She said: “We have created a unique partnership which supports the international reputation of both the University and Braehead Clan. The partnership also has the potential to open up new opportunities for outreach in the local communities in the wider Glasgow region. In recent years, the Clan has established the Clan Community Foundation. This has seen coaches and players visit an estimated 30,000 children to date, with a focus on life skills. This initiative is in direct alignment with the Caledonian Club, the University’s multi award-winning widening participation and community engagement initiative, which works across our local communities in Glasgow, London, and New York.

“We are very pleased to have former NHLer Ryan Potulny and the Canadian winger Adam Brace on our Glasgow campus this year. I wish them lots of success in completing their postgraduate studies with us.“