Reddox Warns of 'Scary' Clan Test

By Craig Anderson

VÄXJÖ LAKERS captain Liam Reddox admits the pressure is on his team in their CHL meeting with Braehead Clan, but warns they could be 'scary'.

The Swedes are the top seeds in the competition and is excited to be playing the Clan, as he revealed his Scottish background.

But the prospect of coming up against teams from other countries is one of the challenges the Canadian is looking forward to this week.

Reddox said: "I think there is pressure on us, given the season we had last year in winning the Swedish championship and being top seeds for the CHL.

"Playing Braehead, who are new to the competition, don't have high expectations, which makes them scary to play against.

"They can go out play and have the freedom of not being expected to win whereas we have to be prepared for what we expect to be a competitive game.

"But it's always exciting to face teams from other leagues. Getting the draw with Braehead was extra special for me personally.

"My parents grew up in Ayr and left to emigrate to Canada after they got married. It was only supposed to be for a couple of years, but ended up staying.

"I still have aunts and uncles that live over in Scotland so I'm excited to be going back when we visit Braehead."

Since the draw pitted the Swedish titans against Ryan Finnerty's side, Reddox has enjoyed some interactions with the Braehead fans on social media.

Plus he says he's familiar with some of the players that will wear purple and recalled one Clan man in particular.

He added: "Since the draw, the interaction I've had on social media with the Clan fans has been a lot of fun.

"Just by talking to them, I see they have a lot of passion for a sport that isn't the most popular in the UK and they have great loyalty to their team.

"Ice hockey is a small world and looking at the Clan team, I have played against some of the guys.

"Stefan Meyer was one I came across when he briefly played in Sweden and I remember being impressed by him.

"I've been following the signings Clan have made over the summer and it looks to be a good team the coach has put together.

"We can't afford to take them lightly and will be prepared when they come to us on Thursday."