Giants Shortlisted for Club of the Year at European Hockey Awards

The nomination comes for the second year running, in recognition of the Giants’ treble-winning year and ‘dominance in the Elite Ice Hockey League’ by winning Challenge Cup, league, and playoff silverware within one domestic season – a first in the club’s history. Other nominees in the ‘Club of the Year’ Category include, Genève-Servette (SUI), Oceláři Třinec (CZE), Växjö Lakers (SWE), and Tappara Tampere (FIN).

The Alliance of European Hockey Clubs was founded on 13 June 2016 at the E.H.C.’s first Annual General Meeting, by 70 clubs across 13 European countries. Ice hockey thus became the third major European team sport, after football’s European Club Association (ECA) and Forum Club Handball (FCH), to establish a club alliance with the mandate to look after and promote the interests of the professional hockey clubs and represent them internationally. The E.H.C. currently has 96 member clubs from 15 European countries.

Alongside the ‘Club of the Year’ category, other awards up for the taking include ‘Young Player of the Year’, ‘Coach of the Year’ and the Warrior Career Excellence Award. The awards will be formally presented to category winners on Tuesday 13 June at the Annual E.H.C Awards Dinner in Prague, Czech Republic.

Steve Thornton, group head of commercial & hockey at The Odyssey Trust, said: “The nomination for ‘Club of the Year’ at this year’s Fenix Outdoor Euro Hockey Awards comes after an incredible season for the Stena Line Belfast Giants, that saw the team achieve the treble and marking a historic season for our organisation.

“A nomination like this is a true testament to the collective efforts of our players, the coaching team, and all off ice staff – highlighting the unyielding dedication of the entire organisation in fostering a winning culture and creating unforgettable memories and experiences for our fans.

“To be named in this prestigious category alongside European ice hockey powerhouses is an honour and a privilege.”

Public voting for award categories – supplementary to the E.H.C Expert Panel - is officially open.

Belfast Giants fans can cast votes for their team at www.eurohockeyclubs.com.