One In, One Out; Kevin Phillips replaces brother Davy

Posted on Monday, July 27th, 2009 at 5:30 pm

The Belfast Giants are pleased to confirm the signing of defenceman, Kevin Phillips who will take the place of his younger brother Davy who has left the Giants to ply his trade in North America for the coming season. Phillips arrives in Belfast from the EPL’s Slough Jets, posting seven goals and seven assists in 40 games in the 2008/09 season. The 23 year old is no stranger to the EIHL, having played 54 games for the Hull Stingrays in the 2006/07 season and for the London Racers in 2005/06. Kevin has previously experienced success at a high level, winning gold at the 2004 U18 World Championships for Great Britain and then captaining the U20 side to gold in 2005, whilst playing alongside current Giant, Nathan Craze.

The rumour of Kevin Phillips signing in Belfast was started as soon as his brother returned from a prospects camp with the Chicago Blackhawks in early July and decided to move to North America for the coming season. Phillips was a highly rated defenceman in the EPL, the league below the Elite League, but will be expected to make the jump to the faster pace and harder hitting of the EIHL, something Coach Steve Thornton is confident he can do.

“We are adding a former national team player that is eager to return to find a way back into the GB fold. He is very solid defensively and is very tough to beat in his own end. We are losing Davy’s offensive upside but Kevin is full of potential and we plan on bringing that out of him. He was the name that kept popping up when I asked EPL players and coaches who the best British player was that isn”t in the Elite League and we are fortunate to add him to our roster. We hope he can come to us and grow as much as his brother did while helping us win more trophies.”

Kevin Phillips on signing for the Giants:
“I’m really excited at the prospect of playing in Belfast next season. I’ve heard only good things from Davy about the organisation, the fans and the city and with the team that Coach Thornton has put together, I have no doubt that we’ll be up there with the best come the end of the season.”