Belfast Giants Confirm 2026/27 Roster and Leadership Group

Featuring a number of instrumental returning players, including Jackson Whistle, Mike Lee, Josh Roach, and J.J Piccinich, alongside a raft of highly anticipated new signings, such as Peter Bates, Morten Jensen, and Logan Cockerill, the 2026/27 roster blends youth and experience as the Giants prepare to defend their Motorpoint Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) title.

Another exciting returnee is the ever-present David Goodwin, who has been selected to captain the Giants for a fourth season, having led the side during the 2021/22, 2022/23, and 2025/26 campaigns. Goodwin, who has cemented himself as the most successful captain in club history, has lifted eight trophies in Belfast, five of which he did so as captain. Alongside Goodwin, Ciaran Long and Scott Conway will resume their roles as alternate captains across all fixtures, alongside Jordan Kawaguchi, who returns for a second term as home alternate captain, and Jake Gaudet, who will wear a letter on the road for the first time.

Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants, said: “Over the summer, we’ve worked hard to set the team up for success from day one. We’ve struck an important balance of key returning players who know what it’s like to win in this league and new faces who are hungry to contribute to our group straight out the gate. Goody [David Goodwin] defines what it means to be a Belfast Giant and has been a driving force behind our winning culture, setting the standard for himself and others day in and day out. Our four alternate captains all offer something unique and equally important, so I feel that we’ve given ourselves the strongest possible start from a leadership perspective.

“As is the case every year, our aim is to be the best and to win everything on offer. The work that’s been going on throughout the arena over the last few months and O2 coming on board as the team’s title sponsor also plays a big part in enabling us to do that, so we’re ready to get back to work and bring more silverware to Belfast.”

Preparations for the 2026/27 campaign kickstart with a home double-header of pre-season fixtures against the Herlev Eagles on Friday 28 and Sunday 30 August, after which, a trip to Germany beckons for two highly anticipated days of Warrior Cup action alongside ESV Kaufbeuren, Red Bull Munich, and HC Ambrì-Piotta. The Giants' first taste of domestic competition comes in the form of a Challenge Cup road trip against the Dundee Stars and Glasgow Clan on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, before welcoming the Stars to The O2 Belfast the following weekend. The reigning EIHL champions also begin their title defence on the road, taking on the Coventry Blaze on Saturday 10 October, before travelling to the Welsh capital for a date with the Devils.

David Goodwin, Captain of the Belfast Giants, commented: “It’s always an honour to captain the Belfast Giants, and a responsibility I don’t take for granted. It goes without saying, but Belfast has become a second home for me, and the fans, city, and everyone affiliated with the organisation are the main reasons for that. Together, we’re building a team that embodies success and can compete for every available trophy. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by experienced guys who have first-hand experience of winning in all situations, as well as a group that is driven to be the best. Keefer [Adam Keefe], the coaching staff, and the club are giving us the tools to succeed, and we’re determined to take full advantage.”

Tickets for the Giants’ pre-season double-header against the Herlev Eagles are on sale now and available to purchase here.

Full Roster

Jackson Whistle, Andrew Dickson, Jake Kupsky, Jaeden Martin, Christian Berger, Mason Klee, Mike Lee, Kell Beattie*, Morten Jensen, Ty Prefontaine, Kaleb Pearson, Scott Conway, J.J. Piccinich, Peter Bates, Carter Hamill, Harvey Wooldridge*, Jordan Kawaguchi, Jake Guadet, David Goodwin, Cole Shudra, Mack Stewart*, Ciaran Long, Nicolas Guay, Logan Cockerill, Patrick Guay.

*Denotes two-way player