New Mascot Makes GIANT Debut

Belfast Giants’ mascot, Finn McCool has been a much-loved fixture on game night for over a decade. Now, Finn’s long-lost hockey-loving cousin, Finnula, has arrived in town, bringing double the mascot mayhem to Giants’ home games at The SSE Arena, Belfast.

Finnula made her debut at the Giants home game vs Glasgow Clan tonight (Saturday 1st October) following the first airing of a short film, introducing her to fans.

In the short, Finn is found searching ‘Fancestry.com’, tracing his family tree. He stumbles across a profile for Finnula, who also happens to be looking for family connections.

Making a dramatic entrance onboard Stena Superfast VII, Finnula jumps in a fonaCAB taxi on her arrival, enjoying a whistlestop tour of the city, taking in the sights before hitting the Arena with Finn, and bumping into a range of familiar faces along the way. The film ends with Finnula making her debut on screen – then in the flesh – in the Warrior zone on The Bridge, overlooking the Giants’ home ice in The SSE Arena.

Commenting on Finnula’s arrival, Steve Thornton, Head of Hockey Operations, Belfast Giants said: “Supported by our long-term sponsors, partners, and fans, we’re continuing to grow the game of ice-hockey, bringing high energy on-ice action and the off-ice entertainment to match. We’re thrilled to have Stena Line back for their 11^th season and look forward to continuing to grow our partnership this season.

“Our family-first ethos is at the heart of everything we do at the Belfast Giants, so it’s fitting that we’re adding to the family, with Finnula’s arrival, and it’s been great to have Stena Line and other partners on board with her debut. Our off-ice entertainment, and fun activations like this, are a huge part of the Giants’ unrivalled game night experience, which will be key to growing the Giants family in the future.”

Belfast Giants’ headline sponsor, Stena Line, return for their 11^th year this season. Orla Noonan, Regional Travel Manager, Irish Sea said: “We’re very proud to continue our long-running relationship with the Stena Line Belfast Giants through the 2022/23 season.

“This will be our 11^th year as the main sponsor of the Stena Line Belfast Giants, and what an incredible trophy-laden journey it has been. The Giants have grown to be regarded as one of the most successful ice hockey teams in Northern Europe, and we’re thrilled to have been there every step of the way.

“At Stena Line, we share the Giants’ passion for teamwork, and together I am sure this season will be plain sailing towards even more success.”

Finn and Finnula promise to be an energetic double act this season. Look out for them pre-game, greeting fans as they arrive at the Arena. When they’re not patrolling the plexiglass behind the Giants’ goal, ready to break into celebrations when the team score, they’ll be in the thick of the action, popping up in the stands to entertain the crowds. The duo will also bring the fun factor to intermission fan engagement activities on and off the ice.

Join Finn, Finnula and the Stena Line Belfast Giants’ growing family this season. For further information and to get your game tickets, visit www.belfastgiants.com.