Gary Haden a name which will get Glasgow Clan fans going crazy over however, the club sadly announced yesterday that he will not return for a third season. Fans are disappointed about this and some even wondering how they will replace him. Other fans are sad by this but trust new head coach Corey Neilson to bring in a replacement.
Gary Haden signed for the Glasgow Clan under Malcom Cameron in 2022 where he would lace up for the squad on a regular basis. Sadly Clan went on a bad run at the start of that season losing 16 games in a row and in those 16 games Haden only put up 9 points in those 16 games. Glasgow Clan now hold the record for the most losses in a row in the EIHL overtaking the Edinburgh Capitals who lost 13 in a row twice in the 17/18 season. This 16 game losing streak was the worst in the history of the club. They did manage to turn the season around and make the playoffs. Haden played 54 games putting up 47 points.
Haden would re-sign the following season under new head coach Jason Morgan. This was a smart move by Morgan as Haden was a key player in the previous season for the Clan’s comeback to make the playoffs. Haden had yet another good season stat wise putting up 56 points in 54 games holding a point per game average of 1.04.
Joe Maciag's breakdown of Gary Haden's offensive performance, shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), reveals insightful statistics. Haden boasted a 77% chance conversion rate, indicating that he took shots on scoring opportunities 77% of the time when on the ice. Additionally, his expected goal percentage stood at 76%, suggesting that 76% of his chances were anticipated to result in goals. Impressively, Haden took 97% of the available shot attempts and maintained an exceptional 99% accuracy rate with his shots on target. Considering these percentages, Joe Maciag concluded that Haden's offensive impact registered at 77%, showcasing his effectiveness in generating scoring opportunities and making the most of his chances on the ice.
According to Joe Maciag's defensive breakdown, when Gary Haden was on the ice, the opposing team would take shots on 60% of the available chances, resulting in a 20% shot against average for Haden. Additionally, Haden's expected goals against percentage indicates that he is expected to be on the ice for 85% of the goals against, which is a measure of the danger level of the shots against him. With a +/- stat of -26, placing him in the top 2% for the worst +/- stat, Haden's overall defensive impact was calculated at 16%, which is not considered a favourable statistic.
Graphic from Joe Maciag on X (formerly known as Twitter)
The suited replacements for Gary Haden in the Glasgow Clan are Joseph Garrefa (Meran/Merano in the AlpsHL) and Max Wennlund (EHC Lustenau in the Austria2 league).
Joseph Garrela's tenure with Meran/Merano in the AlpsHL last season showcased his dynamic playing style, characterised by speed and aggression on both ends of the ice. Renowned for his ability to navigate past defenders with finesse, Garrela's aggressive approach to attacking the net consistently yielded positive results, reflected in his impressive point production. Furthermore, his adept stick checking skills enables him to disrupt opposing plays effectively, often leading to valuable defensive turnovers and swift counterattacks, thus bolstering the team's defensive efforts significantly.Having appeared in 37 games and accumulating 32 points, Garrela maintained a commendable average of 0.86 points per game. While his +/- rating of -3 suggests room for improvement, it's a factor that can be refined over time and isn't cause for significant concern. Overall, Garrela's statistical performance coupled with his well-rounded two-way game positions him as a fitting successor to Gary Haden, capable of seamlessly integrating into the Glasgow Clan lineup and making a positive impact on both ends of the ice.
Max Wennlund's performance on the ice for EHC Lustenau in the AlpsHL league speaks volumes about his potential for a leap to more challenging arenas. In a league renowned for nurturing talent, Wennlund distinguishes himself as a top-tier player, boasting a remarkable goal-scoring record with 27 goals last season, placing him among the top 10 leading scorers. His adeptness extends beyond scoring, demonstrated by his 26 assists, showcasing his knack for facilitating surprise shots with precise saucer passes. With an impressive average of 1.47 points per game across 36 appearances, Wennlund's offensive impact is undeniable. However, his defensive awareness is equally noteworthy; adept at reading plays and intercepting passes, he's not one to shy away from blocking shots or employing strategic stickwork to disrupt opponents. Finishing the season with a commendable +/- stat of +2 further underscores his well-rounded contribution to the game. As the Glasgow Clan seeks to fill the void left by Gary Haden's departure, Wennlund emerges as a fitting candidate. His combination of attacking flair and defensive skills positions him as a capable successor, ready to make his mark on the team and elevate their performance to new heights.
In the wake of Gary Haden's departure from the Glasgow Clan, there's no denying his significant contributions over the past two seasons. However, as the team strategies for the future under Corey Neilson's guidance, it's evident that Haden's defensive stats may not align with the envisioned gameplay. While his absence leaves a void, it also presents an opportunity for fresh talent to step up and fill the gap. Though we've only explored a couple of potential replacements, the hockey world is brimming with skilled players, and Neilson's expertise assures us that the Clan will find the perfect fit to continue their journey toward success.
Author of Article: Calan Yule
Editor: Will Harris & Calan Yule
Proofread By: Will Harris
© EIHL News Central
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