CLAN BOOK FINAL FOUR SPOT AFTER DRAMATIC PLAYOFF COMEBACK

Club News

April 14, 2026

The Glasgow Clan are heading to the Elite Ice Hockey League Playoff Final Weekend for the first time in 12 years after a dramatic aggregate victory over the league-winning Belfast Giants at Braehead Arena.

Roared on by a passionate crowd of 3,300 fans on Sunday night, the Clan overturned a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Belfast to secure their place among the league’s final four for the first time since the 2013/14 season.

Saturday night’s opening leg in Belfast ended in a tight, goalless battle, leaving the Giants with a narrow aggregate advantage heading into the return leg in Glasgow. But in front of a fired-up home support – armed with clap banners courtesy of the OSC, a giant tifo display, and relentless energy, the Clan delivered one of their most memorable playoff performances.

Despite finishing 8th in the regular season standings, the Clan showed no signs of being underdogs against the league champions. Instead, they rose to the occasion.

Goals from Brady Risk, Tristin Langan, Mick Messner and Brett Neumann ensured the Clan stayed within touching distance on aggregate across the tie, with Sunday’s second leg producing the decisive drama. The Clan struck twice in regulation to swing momentum in their favour, only for the Giants to respond and level the aggregate score, forcing overtime.

With nothing to separate the sides after a tense, scoreless overtime period, the tie would be decided by a penalty shootout.

Step forward the heroes.

Mick Messner and Brett Neumann both found the net in the shootout, showing composure under immense pressure. At the other end, netminder Sami Aittokallio delivered a masterclass, producing a string of outstanding saves to deny the Giants and seal a famous victory for the Clan.

As the final save was made, Braehead Arena erupted – a moment over a decade in the making.

This victory marks a significant milestone for the organisation, ending a 12-year wait to return to the Playoff Final Weekend and underlining the belief and resilience within the current squad.

From finishing 8th in the regular season to knocking out the league champions, the Clan have proven they are a force to be reckoned with when it matters most.

Attention now turns to Nottingham, where the Clan will compete for the Elite League playoff title next weekend, with the semi-final game being played at 3pm against the Cardiff Devils.