WEEK 15 of the 2025/26 Elite Ice Hockey League season and it’s a derby doubleheader as the Flyers and Clan clash in a pair of eagerly anticipated fixtures before the big man comes down the chimney.
FRIDAY DECEMBER 19th GLASGOW CLAN v FIFE FLYERS @ BRAEHEAD ARENA – FACE OFF 7.30pm
Introducing the opposition & One to Watch!
The Clan head into the weekend having played in the Challenge Cup play in round game on Wednesday night against the Panthers where they went down 4-1 with Nottingham progressing to a semi-final meeting with the Steelers. Coming into the weekend Brayden Burke with 2 goals and 26 assists from 30 games played was second in Clan points but clearly leading the way in terms of helpers. The 28-year-old, who can play centre or left wing, joined the Clan from Iserlohn Roosters, who play in Germany’s DEL, where he spent last season and he was the first new addition to the Renfrewshire sides roster in the summer. Burke played 26 times in Germany last season, with a goal and ten assists to show for his efforts. Prior to that, he enjoyed spells in Finland’s Liiga with Lukko Rauma in 2023-24, where he helped them to the semi-finals of the Champions Hockey League, and he scored in a game against the Belfast Giants. He played briefly in Switzerland with EHC Visp in 2023 on the back of an AHL career with teams such as Tucson Roadrunners, Milwaukee Admirals, Manitoba Moose and Ontario Reign, playing in just over 200 games and picking up just under 150 points. In fact, one of his old team-mates at the Reign was former Clan forward Jacob Doty, playing together in 2021-22. His Major Junior career started with a handful of games for the Red Deer rebels in the WHL before three seasons with the Lethbridge Hurricanes where his play making skills were highlighted with 41 goals in 133 games along with a prolific 129 helpers. 128 games with the Moose Jaw Warriors to complete his junior days saw another 141 helpers and 57 goals over 128 games. Clan head coach Corey Neilson revealed Burke was high on his list in the off season. “Brayden was a high priority signing and the market to get him was incredibly competitive. Brayden is a real player who has played a top six offensive role everywhere he’s been, and his skating and puck skills will make him a huge contributor to our group.”
Last League Visit to Clan
GALLERY
Pic Credits – Glasgow Clan
Overall Away League Record Against Clan
P 45 W 12 L 33 F 118 A 192
Number Crunching
The Flyers are winless on their last 7 visits to Braehead Arena in all EIHL competitions which equals their longest streak of that nature.
The last Flyers win on Clan ice was 1st March 2024 when they prevailed 7-6 after overtime.
During their winless skid the Flyers have been outscored 9-34.
The Flyers require 3 goals for 2400 in all EIHL competitions.
The Clan have been on the powerplay 36 times on home ice in all EIHL competitions this season with Stars having one less and the Flyers only having the man advantage at Fife Ice Arena 33 times.
Clan with only 3 home powerplay goals have fewest amongst all teams so far this season.
The Clan come into the weekend winless in their last 6 matches which is their longest winless streak this season.
On the penalty kill the Flyers are 14 for 16 against the Clan this term in all EIHL competitions which is 87.5 percent.
The Flyers powerplay is 0 for 10 against the Clan in all EIHL competitions this term with Cardiff and Sheffield the other teams they have failed to score on so far with the man advantage.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 20th FIFE FLYERS v GLASGOW CLAN @ FIFE ICE ARENA – FACE OFF 7.00pm
Introducing the opposition & One to Watch!
Finnish goaltender Sami Aittokallio joined the Clan in the summer. The 32-year-old brings a wealth of top-level experience with him to Glasgow, having played in the NHL, Liiga, DEL, and the Slovak Extraliga. He also has valuable AHL experience, having spent several seasons with the Lake Erie Monsters, where he further developed his game. Most recently, Aittokallio played a key role in HK Nitra’s 2024/25 playoff run, delivering standout performances and finishing the season in top form. Sami a native of Tampere played for his home town club Ilves through their junior development system and was drafted in the 2010 NHL entry draft in the 4th round by the Colorado Avalanche having represented his country at the World Junior Championships. For the 2012/13 season he crossed the Atlantic to play for the Avs affiliate AHL team the Lake Erie Monsters whilst making his NHL debut. He played one further game for the Avs the next season along with continuing between the pipes in the AHL for the Monsters before ending his time in North Americal during the 2014-15 season. He spent 5 of the next 6 seasons playing in the top Finnish league and also had a spell in the top league in Czechia before two seasons in the DEL. Returning then to the Liiga he spent last season in the Slovakian League. Known for his composure and consistency, Aittokallio has spent his career playing for some of Europe’s top clubs, while also making appearances in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche. His technical skill set, combined with sharp reflexes and a calm presence under pressure, makes him a formidable presence between the pipes. Head Coach Corey Neilson made the Finnish stopper his top target following the end of last season saying “Sami was my primary target at season’s end. He’s smooth and calm in his movements, recovers to his feet well, has really good hockey IQ, plays fast and has good hands. He doesn’t ever really look flustered in the net”.
Last League Visit from Clan
GALLERY
Pic Credits – Jillian McFarlane and Derek Young
Overall League Home Record Against Clan
P 45 W 21 L 24 F 151 A 156
Number Crunching
The Clan have won in all three visits to Fife Ice Arena this season and have outscored the Flyers 13-4.
The Flyers winless streak equals the longest stretch since the Clan were rebranded as Glasgow with 4 games being the longest against Braehead.
On the road the Clan have only given up 2 goals on the penalty kill in all EIHL competitions which is equalled only by the Steelers as fewest of all teams.
The Clan have scored 4 goals on the road in the 3rd period in all EIHL competitions this season which is the fewest of all teams.
The Clan are a perfect 10 for 10 when ahead after the second period in all EIHL competitions this season.
Click the image below for your downloadable gamesheet for Saturday’s game against Glasgow Clan
