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The Glasgow Clan have reinforced their attack, adding forward Matt Barry to their roster for the remainder of the 2023-24 Elite League season.
Barry, who arrives at Braehead Arena from the DEL3’s Rostock Piranhas, projects as a middle-six forward for the Clan and is expected to make his debut versus the Coventry Blaze on Saturday [7 October].
“Matt’s addition comes at a perfect time, as we have some key guys missing,” Glasgow head coach Jason Morgan said upon the American’s arrival.
“Matt’s name came up from one of the agents I’ve frequently dealt with, and when I dug into video clips on him and received some very good references, I knew he would be a good fit.
“Matt is a highly skilled natural play-making centre, with great vision and poise with the puck. He has the ability to make players around him better, has a great attitude and is highly motivated to prove himself in the EIHL. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
With that in mind, British Ice Hockey lifts the lid on Barry’s career and projects his impact in the Elite League with the Clan.
Who is Glasgow Clan forward Matt Barry?
Barry is a second-year professional, who posted impressive offensive numbers through four-seasons in the NCAA and one season in the United States’ premier junior league, the USHL.
The Naperville, Illinois-born forward split his collegiate career between Miami University (Ohio) and the College of the Holy Cross, amassing 62 points (17 goals, 45 assists) in 91 appearances.
Barry made his professional debut for the Orlando Solar Bears, but only played once for the ECHL organisation before moving to Rostock in Germany’s third division.
The 26-year-old was a dominant performer for the Piranhas last term, recording 71 points (23 goals, 48 assists) in 42 DEL3 appearances.
Where will Matt Barry fit into the Glasgow Clan’s line-up?
The Clan started their last Elite League contest with a one-two-three punch of Michael Pelech, Luke Lynch, and Robert Lachowicz at centre.
Barry’s arrival will allow Morgan to readjust his depth-chart, adding depth to his attack.
The former Youngstown Phantom will hope to displace Lynch – who has one point in three games – from the second line and earn powerplay opportunities to boost his scoring chances.
How impactful will Matt Barry be for the Glasgow Clan?
The Clan have endured a bumpy start to the season, with their record sinking to one win and three losses in early running.
While Morgan’s team is significantly better than the unit iced by his predecessor last season, the Clan are still miles behind the cup-contending class and will be forced to battle for a top-half finish this term.
Besides their blowout win over the Fife Flyers, Glasgow’s attack is yet to fully click and was overpowered when faced with tougher opposition from the Belfast Giants and Cardiff Devils.
With that in mind, Barry is a useful addition for the Clan – who generated a meagre 0.87 expected goals in their last outing.
The American’s key characteristic is his puck-moving ability.
He is a confident skater, who thrives on the transition, and is known for his ability to carve defences open with cross-seam passes.
While Barry is unlikely to replicate his level of production from last season (the Elite League is a step ahead of Germany’s DEL3), the Clan will expect him to add offensive pop to the middle of their line-up.
Let’s see how this plays out.
