Giants Add Alderson to 2023/24 Roster

London-born Alderson began his career icing for teams in Guildford and Chelmsford between 2013 and 2018, before making the move to National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) side Islanders Hockey Club ahead of the 2018/19 season. During his time in the United States, Alderson also represented Berwick Academy, Hoosac Schools, Wilkes Barre/Scranton Knights, and Castleton University, and has also taken to the ice for Great Britain’s U18 and U20 sides – totalling 28 points in 20 appearances.

Commenting on joining the Giants, Mason Alderson said: “I feel incredibly proud and grateful to be able to further my development with both the Belfast Giants and Solway Sharks during the 2023/24 season. The chance to play upwards of 70 games for teams in the United States over the last five seasons provided a great opportunity to really cut my teeth and gain experience alongside experienced coaches and players. I’m looking forward to getting going for another season of learning and growth.

“Growing up, I always remember watching Nate Robinson – a close family friend, play for the Giants, and ever since then, it’s been a dream of mine to follow in his footsteps. To be given this opportunity so early in my career is truly amazing.”

Alderson helped Great Britain win the 2018 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World U18 Championship Division II Group A tournament in Estonia, with a team-leading nine points (six goals and three assists) posted in five games. He went on to be voted the tournament’s best forward and was then named captain for Great Britain at the 2019 IIHF World U18 Championship Division I Group B tournament in Hungary.

Adam Keefe, head coach of the Belfast Giants, said: “We have been tracking Mason’s progress through the GB national team programme and are excited to bring him into Belfast to help further his development. Mason comes highly recommended from GB U20’s coach Martin Grubb, who will also be his coach this season at Solway Sharks. We have had a great working relationship with Martin and Solway since working together with Kell Beattie over the last two seasons.

“Mason is a big, strong, powerful forward that we look forward to working with this season. Last season, we saw the importance of making sure we have great depth on the two-way systems to help get us through the long, gruelling season of injuries and illness. Mason will be coming to Belfast to train with the team throughout our training camp and exhibition schedule, and we look forward to welcoming him to the city of Belfast.”

Tickets for the Belfast Giants’ pre-season, Champions Hockey League, and Elite Ice Hockey League home games at The SSE Arena, Belfast are on sale now. Tickets are available to purchase here.

Photograph by Team GB Ice Hockey.