He has been with the Renfrewshire side since they were formed two years ago and takes over from his fellow Canadian Drew Bannister, who left two weeks ago to become assistant coach at the Canadian junior team Owen Sound Attack. His appointment will give hope to Clan supporters that Jade Galbraith, the Elite League top scorer, may return next season as the pair have become firm friends.

Kirsty Longmuir, Clan's general manager, is hopeful Krestanovich can play his part in keeping Braehead's best players. She said: "It's good to have someone leading the team that has prior knowledge of who we are and what we want to achieve. I have no doubt that he will do a fantastic job recruiting players, and I know that he is a hard working, skilled player and he will expect the same from his team."

n Jeff Caister, a 27-year-old Canadian defenceman, signed for Elite League club Fife Flyers yesterday. Named in the NCAA All-Star team four seasons ago when he played with Wayne State University, he turned professional with South Carolina Stingrays in the East Coast Hockey League before joining Victoria Salmon Kings and played last season with the Greenville Road Warriors in the ECHL, playing more than 70 games for the South Carolina team.