Canadian forward Reid Petryk has joined the Elite League’s Glasgow Clan on a one-year contract, replacing offensive firepower lost through injuries to Charlie Combs and Matt Barry.
The 30-year-old arrives in the Elite League with a wealth of experience, with notable stints in the American Hockey League, Norwegian Eliteserien, and ECHL.
Speaking after his transfer to the Clan was confirmed, the Edmonton-born forward said: “When I got the call and heard what [head coach Jason] Morgan had to say, I couldn’t wait to come over. The Elite League is a popular place to go and I’ve played with guys who say a lot of positive things about their experience there.
“Moving to Glasgow was attractive because of the fan base and the chance to explore another part of the world. I’m excited to make the move to the Clan and I’m looking forward to being part of the team and hopefully, we can deliver some success.”
With that in mind, British Ice Hockey analyses Petryk’s skillset and forecasts his maiden season with the Clan in the Elite League.
Who is Glasgow Clan forward Reid Petryk?
Petryk is a product of the Western Hockey League, with a steady stream of experience at the professional level.
The Albertan forward started his major junior career with the Medicine Hat Tigers, before was later traded to the Everett Silvertips and Edmonton Oil Kings – with whom he lifted the Memorial Cup in 2013-14.
Petryk graduated from the juniors with 160 points (65 goals, 95 assists) in 321 appearances, which he parlayed into a maiden professional contract with the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters.
Reid Petryk, now of the Glasgow Clan (Image: AHL)
After five seasons in North America’s minor leagues, the 6-foot-1 forward signed for Norwegian outfit Frisk Asker, recording eight points (six goals, two assists) in 15 appearances in 2019-20.
Petryk sat out the following season, which was curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic, but returned to Norway with Ringerike, for whom he posted 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 45 appearances across the next two campaigns.
Where will Reid Petryk fit into the Glasgow Clan’s line-up?
The Clan have made a so-so start to the season, with their all-competitions record falling to 1-3-1 in the early running.
Injuries to Charlie Combs and Matt Barry have been an important factor in Glasgow’s struggles, opening an opportunity for Petryk to state his case for a spot in Morgan’s top-six.
The 1993-born skater is comfortable playing as a right winger or centreman, with aspirations to displace Dyson Stevenson from the Braehead Arena outfit’s second line.
How impactful will Reid Petryk be for the Glasgow Clan?
While Petryk is unlikely to steal the show, he has the hallmarks of a sturdy offensive option for the Clan.
Unlikely to threaten the point-per-game plateau, the Canadian will play in all situations for Morgan, who is excited to add another forward to his mix.
“We’re excited to add Reid to the Clan hockey family and a player of his calibre will benefit us greatly up front,” he said.
“With Charlie Combs and Matt Barry on the [injury reserve] list, Reid will add a boost to the offensive lines and plays with great character. He has a wealth of experience and brings some size too. He has an excellent shot and skates very well so I’m looking for him to add depth to our forward core.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him in person after good conversations with him over the phone, and definitely looking forward to having him in our line-up.”
If Petryk reaches the 40-point mark, the Clan will be very pleased.
