The Glasgow Clan’s search for a new head coach should be straightforward. The team parted ways with Corey Neilson on January 27th, as they were heading towards a dismal season, having secured only two victories in their last eight games of the year.
This period of poor form for the Clan included significant losses to the Coventry Blaze (twice), the Manchester Storm (5-1), and a shutout defeat against the Cardiff Devils. Discontent was evident at Braehead Arena, with key players underperforming and fans growing increasingly worried about another lost season.
However, the team’s morale has significantly improved in the weeks since. After Neilson’s departure, the Clan achieved a record of 12-9-4 (including playoffs), established a 26-point lead over the Dundee Stars, and finished just two wins shy of a top-six position. Despite having the league’s worst powerplay percentage (16%) and an eighth-ranked penalty kill, the Glaswegians managed to regain respectability. They secured crucial wins against teams like the Dundee Stars and Fife Flyers (with a 5-1-0 record against them) and proved competitive against title contenders when the opportunity arose.
A central figure in Glasgow’s resurgence has been Mike Sirant, a 67-year-old with limited prior professional head coaching experience.
Who is Glasgow Clan Interim Head Coach Mike Sirant?
Sirant joined the Clan as an assistant coach in July 2024. He spent the previous season away from coaching, having dedicated the preceding thirty years to the University of Manitoba. During his three decades with the Bisons, the Winnipeg native amassed 332 regular-season wins, making him the winningest coach in the program’s history.
Sirant also led the Danish National Team for two years, guiding them to a then-record tenth-place finish at the 2007 IIHF World Championship. His only other professional head coaching experience before joining the Clan was in 1999 with the Austrian team VEU Feldkirch.
Why Should the Glasgow Clan Hire Mike Sirant Permanently?
Glasgow’s recent results and performances speak volumes. Before Neilson’s exit, the Clan’s season felt lost – good enough to avoid missing the playoffs but too inconsistent to make a significant impact. However, under Sirant’s leadership, the team at Braehead Arena appears transformed.
The Clan have regained their confidence, with Sami Aittokallio providing solid goaltending, and have started playing with a renewed edge. They are more physical, more direct, and more competitive across the entire ice. Sirant has also successfully drawn improved performances from his top players. Tristin Langan finished the season strongly with eight points (two goals, six assists) in his final six games, and defenseman Joe Hazeldine showed noticeable progress both with and without the puck.
In essence, Sirant has revitalized the team spirit in Glasgow. With the Clan heading to Playoff Finals Weekend for the first time in 12 years, they have a reason to dream again. If he desires the position, Mike Sirant is the clear choice for Glasgow’s head coaching vacancy.
