Dutes here, coming straight to ya from Winnipeg...
Posted: Wednesday 16th May 2007

What's the craic everybody? Dutes here, coming straight to ya from Winnipeg, Manitoba.  This is the first time I was asked to write a blog for a website, in fact I didn't know what a blog was until five minutes ago, so we'll see how it goes. Hopefully we'll share some laughs and give you all a little insight on Mark Dutiaume, why I love Belfast and what makes me tick.
  
This was my first year in Belfast and I have to say, I enjoyed every minute. Spending the previous 4 years in Sheffield, Belfast has been a welcome change.  Although to be honest, I am sick of going to the causeway; 4 times already and counting if my parents make the trip next season.  The Giants Causeway is cool; but lets face it, it is not 4 times cool.  
  
We may have ended the regular season 4 points behind first but we had a pretty solid year. Of course solid isn't first place and solid isn't a championship, so I know there will be some changes as there always are on any team from year to year. This past season had its up and downs, but like I always say; welcome to the great game of ice hockey!  It is as unpredictable as some of the guy's moods!
  
This past season was the most enjoyable year of playing ice hockey for me. Whoops, except for the fact that my wife wasn't there.  That had nothing to do with it I swear! I've played against some of the Giants for years and to now be able to call them team-mates and friends was great.  It is a daunting task to come and play for the Belfast Giants because they are seen throughout the league as being one of the most successful teams in the last number of years. I have great memories of battling against Killer for years and introducing him to my elbow, only for Ruffer to introduce his stick to my kidneys. Even though we have battled against each other, we all wore the same Jersey last season and I only got to run Killers show in three puck during practice.
  
I'll leave you with just a few events of what I will remember from this season, I can't spill them all.  First off, taking part in Killers testimonial, and to finally get to play with him was awesome, except he always made me buy him Zio's for pregame, the cheap bugger. To peak your curiosity, the road trips, shaving cream, water bottles, getting asked to leave Starbucks, mono brow, loudest fans in the league, Mo, Jamo's questions, the craic at Mchughs and to leave you with a doosey, Ruffers and my fake fight.  You have all been awesome, and I have really enjoyed this past season, and am looking forward to an even more successful year in 2007/08.

See you in September

Dutes