The Glasgow Clan have signed 34-year-old netminder John Muse to replace Zach Driscoll, who departs after just two months in the Elite League.
Muse arrives in Scotland after two seasons in Denmark with the Rødovre Mighty Bulls, for whom he made 32 appearances and recorded a .899 save percentage.
The American is already familiar with hockey in the United Kingdom. He made five appearances for the Sheffield Steelers in the Elite Series, a ‘bubble’ tournament that was played during the pandemic to help Team GB prepare for the 2021 IIHF World Championship.
Muse, who won the ECHL’s Kelly Cup with the Florida Everblades in 2011-12, is most well-known for his performances in the American Hockey League.
He has made 184 appearances in North America’s second tier, upholding an impressive .914 save percentage and 2.66 goals-against average.
The left-catcher also spent one season in the VHL, the Kontinental Hockey League’s equivalent of the AHL. He made 33 appearances for KRS-BSU Beijing, recording a .928 save percentage and 2.53 goals-against average.
Prior to joining the professional ranks, Muse played four seasons in the NCAA for Boston College. He won two championships, four personal awards, and listed a .914 save percentage.
John Muse: ‘I can’t wait to right this ship’
Muse joins the Clan at a difficult moment in the franchise’s history. Glasgow are winless to start the season and are the subject of off-ice turmoil.
However, the challenge ahead is one that the 5-foot-11 backstop is relishing.
“It will be a good experience,” Muse said. “I was excited to get over here and started and I know it’s been a difficult start to the season, but I can’t wait to meet with the guys and right this ship. I think I can come in and make a difference. I’m confident in how I play and I believe I can play at a very high level still. I hope to get the chance to show that here.
“I had a short time in the UK before in the Elite Series and I got hurt in that first game. We had a good group there in Sheffield and although it was a short series, it was still a lot of fun. I’ve had a lot of friends who have played in the Elite League who have always spoken positively about their time. When the opportunity to come arose, I immediately jumped on it.”
Glasgow Clan: Zach Driscoll Departs
Driscoll’s career with the Clan is over before it started.
The 25-year-old leaves Glasgow with a 4.13 goals-against average and .887 save percentage through 10 appearances in all competitions.
His best performance came in a 2-1 defeat to the Guildford Flames on 18 September, when he stopped 42 of the 44 shots he faced.
In an official statement, a club spokesperson wrote: “The Clan can also announce the departure of #33, goalie Zach Driscoll, who originally signed for the club in the summer. We want to place on record our thanks to Zach for his contribution to the team this season and wish him all the best in his career going forward.”
Before joining Glasgow, Driscoll spent four seasons in the NCAA. He upheld a .917 save percentage and 2.23 goals-against average through 136 appearances for North Dakota and Bemidji State.
He made three appearances for the ECHL’s Toledo Walleye last term, recording a .913 save percentage in his first stint as a professional.
Driscoll is yet to announce his next destination.