Wayne Hardman

Let us entertain you!

At the launch of the “New Era Belfast Giants” in the W5 Wing of the Odyssey Complex the theme was certainly of the new vision held by all within the Family of the Belfast Giants organization.

Starting with Brian Burke (Chairman of the Odyssey Trust) who stated with Robert Fitzpatrick (CEO of the Odyssey Trust) who both had glowing visions of the growth and future of their latest acquisition that of the Belfast Giants under the stewardship of the Odyssey Trust.

Robert Fitzpatrick

Robert Fitzpatrick confirm the first of two major investments into the Odyssey Arena to make watching the Giants even more enjoyable to its loyal fans. A substantial investment into the screens around the arena plus a major new scoreboard will be purchased and installed before the first game of the new Elite League campaign.

Fitzpatrick stating, “ We want to make the Belfast Giants the best hockey team in the Elite League both on and off the ice. Our planned investment will take the Giants and visiting fans into a total new experience of the “Game Night or better put Todd Night Expectation” when coming to the Odyssey Arena.

Todd Kelman talking with fan during Game Night Entertainment

The second phase of the Odyssey Trust’s plan which Fitzpatrick hinted to will make every Belfast Giant fan the envy of all of the Elite League and beyond.  However that plan will not be announced until the first week in September when I will show you what it is”.

Belfast Giants fans at the W5 gathering

Fitzpatrick continued by stating “Every single one of you is an ambassador of the great team that of the Belfast Giants. We need you to spread the word about the Giants as we take them into a total new level.

Vince LombardiGreen Packers inspirational Coach

A quote I love to use by Vince Lombardi of American Football fame is. “The price of success is hard work. Definition job at hand. The determination of whether we win or lose, we know we have apply the best we have to the task at hand”. This ended Robert Fitzpatrick presentation.

However Paul Adey, The Belfast Giants new head coach has continued the theme by stating. “ Let us entertain you” as Paul has promised that his team of Giants are going to entertain all who come to watch them at the Odyssey Arena next season.

Coach Adey confirmed.  “I want us to be creative. The Giants will play to a system, which may be different from the other teams. I prefer to edge towards the offensive rather than the defensive side. If we play well, play an exciting brand of hockey and win games people will be happy.

When I coached in Italy last season with Val Pusteria, Brunico the fans said it was probably the most entertaining team that they had ever watched,” said Adey.

Confirming his plans for the new season Adey said, “Nottingham have set a very high standard and are obviously the team to beat. We have to do our best to change that, it’s not going to be easy and it’s going to be a big challenge. Wherever you go everybody wants to win, everybody wants trophies. It’s part of the job and I’m happy to take it on here in Belfast” That concluded Adey’s preseason thought for now.

So the marker has been laid down by both the Odyssey Trust and Coach Paul Adey that the Giants have definitely entered a ”New Era” and they strive to entertain their fans and anyone who come to view them.

One can only say, “ Bring on the new season as it’s going to be a great experience at the Odyssey Arena watching the new Belfast Giants!

Written by Wayne Hardman

Images by Michael Cooper

New Head Coach Paul Adey meets some of the signed core players Belfast want to retain for the 2013/4 Campaign

Just prior to the Belfast Giants’ new era night in the Odyssey Complex ‘W5’ venue the Belfast Ice Hockey team signed a trio of impact players from the previous season’s campaign. Goaltender Stephen Murphy, Forward Colin Shields and Defenseman Robby Sandrock have all put pen to paper for another season in Belfast.

Image of this reporter giving the award of Goalie of the Year and Giants First Team All Star Goalie Stephen Murphy

Murphy, 31, has been with the Giants since 2009 and his outstanding performances in backstopping Belfast to two championships have secured Murphy as a supporters’ favorite amongst the Giants’ fan base.

Murphy’s greatest hour as a Giant undoubtedly came when he won his first Elite League Championship in 2012 and carried his form forward into the 2012/13 season, posting a .914 save percentage finishing the season on a high with an amazing display in the Playoff Final.

Colin Shields with friend

Colin Shields is currently in his third spell as a Giant following his mid-season return to Belfast in 2012. In his seasons with the Giants, Colin has won four championships with the team including captaining his squad to the Playoff Championship in 2010. A regular for the Great Britain national team, Colin is the leading scorer in franchise history.

Robby Sandrock

Robby Sandrock, who returned for his second term in Belfast in 2012 following a ten year gap, will ice in the 2013/14 Season for his third season overall as a Giant. Last season Robby was selected in the Elite League’s Second All Star team following 16 goals and 27 assists in 47 games played for the Giants. His rocket of a shot makes him one of the most dangerous defensemen on the powerplay in the league.

New Giants Head Coach Paul Adey with just some of the core players the Giants wish to keep

“We have the nucleus of our team back for next season” explained GM Todd Kelman. “Talking with Paul Adey after we had made the decision on what players we wanted to return for this season Paul was in total agreement asking especially about Colin Shields.

Written by Wayne Hardman

Brothers on the Blue Line for the Giants

You have no doubt heard the phrase ‘brothers in arms’  - well the Belfast Giants’ twist on this is that brothers Davey and Kevin Philips are blue line partners again. Kevin returns to the Giants after three seasons with the Braehead Clan.

Kevin Philips

This is the second stint in Belfast for Kevin who won a playoff title with the Giants in 2010 under coach Steve Thornton. Braehead then scooped Kevin up where he has solidified his reputation as a reliable defender who can be counted to log a lot of game time minutes during any situation.

Todd Kelman

“Kevin was an excellent defender for us back in 2010,” explained Todd Kelman, “he ended up playing a very key role in our playoff championship run. I have kept my eye on him over the last few seasons and as we need to add another non-import defenseman, to me Kevin is a perfect fit for us.

I know what he can do and what he has done in this league.  He is very reliable and he has matured into a great player.  We are lucky to have him and I have to admit that having the opportunity to play on a team again with his brother was a key factor in his decision to return to Belfast,” concluded Kelman.

Davey Philips whilst playing for the Blackhawks during his trials with the Chicago NHL outfit

Davey was pleased to have his brother Kevin back on the same squad.” Now we only have to nullify the opposition not each other” were Davey’s thoughts on the matter.

Written by Wayne Hardman

Thoughts on Giants’ re-boot

Giants GM Todd-Kelman

The Stena Line Belfast Giants, together with the Odyssey Trust under the guidance of General Manager Todd Kelman will ‘reveal all’ this Thursday night in the W5 wing of the Odyssey Arena complex.

Coach Doug Christiansen says goodbye

After the shock departure of Doug Christiansen to Belfast’s archrivals Sheffield, together with other unusual goings on during last season, it looks as if there will be a clean wipe of the sheet commencing with the announcement of the Giants’ new coach.

In a new all encompassing direction for the Giants’ season ticket holders, they have been invited to an exclusive event this Thursday 09 May at 6.30pm-9pm to include access to the fantastic activities at W5!

The event gives the opportunity for them to meet the latest contracted players of the up coming 2013-2014 campaign including a few who will be announced exclusively at this event as well as the announcement of the new coach.

Stephen Murphy Giants MVP

Craig Peacock

Giants sharp shooter in the pink with friend Colin Shields

Hopefully this will include Stephen Murphy in goal and Craig Peacock and Colin Shields on the forward line, ideally supported by star player Robby Sandrock spearheading the attack from a very mobile Giants’ defense. Wishful and forward thinking perhaps, however a must to build a successful campaign under the new ownership of the Odyssey Trust.

Robby Sandrock

We are assured the new coach will be announced and in fact be present. General Manager Todd Kelman and the Odyssey Trust will be expecting a cacophony of flash bubs to be lighting up the Belfast sky Line on Thursday night, making the most of a great photo opportunity with players and other surprise guests!

The Odyssey will also be there to discuss their plan for the future of hockey in Northern Ireland.

Doug Christiansen now a Steeler

Ryan Finnerty Now A Clan Coach

Could Paul Gardner be coming toBelfast

The question remains, do the Giants go the route of other Elite League teams and swap coaches like Christiansen to the Steelers, Finnerty from Sheffield to Braehead Clan and then maybe Paul Gardner from the Clan to Belfast to complete the triangle.

What about Dave Matsos Giants and Steelers man

Or, bring back Dave Whistle, who in fact would be very happy to return to Belfast again. (Whistle moved from Bracken Bees Super League champs to the then new start up team of the Giants at the start of real hockey in Belfast over ten years ago).

Would it be a hard sell making a former player and coach of both Sheffield and Nottingham – that of Paul Adey – be acceptable to the Giants’ faithful? One can only guess that outcome.

However could it be a young, aspiring, hard working and dedicated EPL coach looking to make the step up now that his playing days are nearing the end?

With the wage cap in mind, and wanting to run a tight ship under the watchful eyes of Todd Kelman and the Odyssey Trust I would have thought a former player within the Super League or Elite and EPL League experience person would more than likely be the choice for a Giants’ reboot of their now high profile team.

In the meantime, season ticket holders are invited to bring their kids for free as access to the event will also include the chance to explore some of W5’s interactive exhibit areas and discover The Lost World, W5’s new laser tag experience.

So be prepared to be chosen to join ‘Team Phillips’ or ‘Team Garside’ to take part in an epic laser tag battle. Or simply enjoy a little food and, for those over 18 a pint of Harp Lager, thanks to Diageo NI and spend some time in the company of the Giants!

Written by Wayne Hardman

Craig Peacock

Todd Kelman kick starts the Giants into a new Era

The Stena Line Belfast Giants find themselves in a difficult position at this point at the start of a campaign recruitment period with next season’s team in mind.

Todd Kelman in the Giants dressing room in the past

Still without a named head coach, Todd Kelman is doing an excellent job securing signatures on contracts for Giants players such as last season’s Captain Adam Keefe, also Jeff Mason and Darryl Lloyd. Not forgetting UK players Mark Garside and David Philips.

Jeff Mason

Darryl Lloyd

David Philips

Mark Garside

A number of options are open to Todd to consider. The first, whether to bring back a former player/ coach who served the Giants well in the past. This option could start with their initial coach back in the Super League days – Dave Whistle. Then Todd could consider Dave Matsos, Rob Stewart, Steve Thornton or even Ed Courtenay.

Smiling Steve Thornton

Thornton won a number of trophies whilst operating as a player coach and certainly would be more than a safe pair of hands after his success with the team. Paul Adey, former Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers player and then coach has terminated his contract with the Italian team he has been coaching after winning two titles in Italy. He is available.

 Paul Gardner

Another consideration is the triangle that forms when you consider the following. Sheffield signed Doug Christiansen after parting company with Ryan Finnerty who has moved to Glasgow as Head Coach for Braehead Clan. That leaves long standing NHL player Paul Gardner who played for a host of teams and was Assistant Coach of the Nashville Predators for five seasons. He would possibly be available to move to Belfast to complete the triangle. Just a thought!

Matt Towe

Out of the picture now is promising British player Matt Towe who has moved to Swindon to secure a new job and ice with the EPL Team Swindon Wild Cats. Other Giants are finishing their various university degrees with Ulster University. Their position is still unknown.

Kelman’s other consideration in the equation must also include the fact that the Giants are operating under the wing of the Odyssey Trust, guided by Elite League rules. Things have to be done diligently regarding wage caps, salary structure, working within a strict budget and finally operating as a profitable organization.

The Elite League has not been known for its approach under such restraints and this might hinder the team’s ability to recruit the Coach they feel would best suit the team in these austere times. No doubt TK has a plan to circumvent all these obstacles.

The Belfast Giants can look now for a stable financial growth under the guidance of the Odyssey trust and the dedicated hands of Todd Kelman.

Written by Wayne Hardman

…And what a start to the new season!

Less than 24 hours into the 2013 / 2014 campaign Belfast find themselves without a head coach. Doug Christiansen, who for reasons known only to him-self has departed Belfast for arch rivals Sheffield Steelers seeing them as his new future.

Doug Christiansen

Following the previous 2012 / 2013 season most Ice Hockey GM ‘s might dodge for cover, or seek a scapegoat after the kind of season that the Stena Line Belfast Giants had to endure; not so the Giants’ GM Todd Kelman.  He has stood tall and honourably taken on the chin whatever life has thrown at the Giants and himself and dealt with it professionally.

Todd Kelman

Whilst looking for a new head coach Kelman has also got to work signing the Giants’ core UK and ‘go to’ players they wanted to secure from last season’s squad. First up was the British pairing of forward Mark Garside and defenseman Davey Phillips.

Mark Garside

Both players are vital parts of the Team GB national squad and will be returning to the Giants for next season’s campaign.

Mark Garside won the Giants’ Supporters’  ‘Unsung Hero’ award though missed the playoffs with an upper body injury. The signing will be Garside’s fourth as a Belfast Giant following four previous years spent with the Edinburgh Capitals.

Davey Phillips has put pen to paper for his third season in a Giants’ jersey following an impressive return to Belfast in the 2012/13 season. Phillips first played for the Giants in 2008/09 and played in North America, Australia, Denmark & Coventry before returning to Belfast for the 2012/13 Season.

So Todd has really got dug in making sure that the Giants players wanted to stay within the fold. Next up was the securing of forward Darryl Lloyd and defenseman Jeff Mason.

Darryl Lloyd

Lloyd was certainly a fans’ favourite from last year’s squad. You did not need to look too hard to make contact with his number 72 on the ice; you just had to use your ears – that crashing plexi-glass sound! Darryl was selected as ‘Forward of the Year’. He was also Belfast’s ‘Most Valuable Player’ (MVP) this past season voted in by the fans after tallying 17 goals and 33 points in 54 games played.

Lloyd’s hard-hitting style of play has forced the opposition to play with their heads up whilst becoming a favourite of the spectators during his two seasons in Belfast. His performance has earned him a reputation as possibly the best open ice hitter in the Elite League.

Jeff Mason

Moving onto Jeff Mason, this Giant re-joined Belfast in October last term after starting the season in Norway.  In 38 games in 2012/13 he scored 6 goals and added 16 assists while logging some of the most minutes in the league on the blueline.  In the previous season, Mason was selected as the Elite League’s ‘Best Defenseman’ after tallying 21 goals and 65 points on route to an Elite League Championship.

Could there be more without a head coach? The answer? Yes – a Captain in Adam Keefe. Keefer has become one of the most popular players in Giants’ history in only two seasons in Belfast. The loyal fans of the Giants will be very excited to have him back for another year.

Adam Keefe in action

The Giants’ Todd Kelman stated, “The best way to describe Adam Keefe is that he is old-school.  He plays with intensity every night, he blocks shots, he stands up for his teammates, he plays hurt and most of all he plays with passion and intensity every single shift.

He was the one guy I was particularly worried about losing to another team in the Elite League because teams know his value to the Giants and the entire organization.

Away from the rink, Adam does more for the community than our fans would even realize and although he wouldn’t necessarily show that side of himself, he has a big heart and has made it a priority to give time to kids that need a role model in their life.

On the ice I watch him night in and night out go to war for this club.  I have watched him fight for his teammates and play the next night with a broken hand.  I have seen him dive head first to block shots.  He is fearless and the perfect Captain for the Giants.

Keefe has earned ‘Fans’ Favourite’ for each of the last two seasons and this past season he was chosen by his teammates as the ‘Player’s Player of the Year.’”

Kelman continued, “Keefer sent me an email when he landed back in Canada and explained why he wanted to come back to Belfast. He didn’t ask for more money, he didn’t make any crazy demands. He explained that he knew it would matter to the organization and to the fans if he signed early. So in my mind, he just ‘gets it’.

I can’t ever explain fully to our fans what a class act Keefe is and what he said about our fans. This city and this team tells me that as long as he wants to be Captain of the Giants, he is the right man for the job,” concluded Kelman.

So Todd Kelman is on a roll securing the Giants’ most respected and hard working players whilst working diligently towards recruiting a Head Coach that meets Belfast’s expectations that will drive them forward to higher achievements. We wait in anticipation for the next episode in Belfast’s very own, history making ice hockey team.

Written by Wayne Hardman