Hospice Hockey - Live Roster News

On Saturday 7 June, The Odyssey Trust will host 'Hospice Hockey', a special charity ice hockey game that aims to raise £100,000 for Northern Ireland Hospice, at The SSE Arena as part of its 25th-anniversary celebrations.

The roster for Hospice Hockey will be gradually announced over the coming weeks. Check-in here and on the Giants’ social media channels for updates as announcements are made. Player lineup is subject to change. Tickets can be purchased here.

Interested in sponsorship and hospitality opportunities? Check out our range of options here.

Adam Keefe

Captain. Coach. Legend.

For many, Adam Keefe is the human embodiment of the Belfast Giants. A player, turned captain, turned Head Coach who arrived on these shores in 2011, and immediately just 'got it'. Taking the reins from Derrick Walser in 2017, Keefe has proven his championship pedigree as a Head Coach time and again. Since swapping his stick for a suit, Keefe has led the Giants to 10 pieces of silverware – five Challenge Cups, four Elite League titles, and one Elite League Playoff title in addition to the pair of league titles he clinched as a player.

Sheldon Keefe

The older brother of Adam Keefe, Sheldon Keefe is the current Head Coach of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, having previously been behind the Toronto Maple Leafs’ bench four five years. Before hanging up his skates, Keefe had a successful NHL career, making more than 120 appearances across three seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Image Credit - AP Photo/Noah K. Murray

Ciaran Bartlett

Ciaran Bartlett is a comedian from Belfast who blends his acerbic take on modern life with fine chord progressions and an angelic voice. The self-proclaimed Goblin King is the host of the popular No Blasters podcast and a regular guest on Shane Todd's Tea With Me.

Leah McCourt

Leah McCourt is a Northern Irish professional mixed martial artist and submission grappler who competes in the Featherweight division of Bellator MMA.

Image Credit - Bellator MMA/Lucas Noonan

Kerri Quinn

Kerri Quinn is an actress and singer from Northern Ireland. On television, Kerri is best known for her roles in Coronation Street and Hope Street, but has also featured in Derry Girls, The Witcher, and Three Families.

Image Credit - Press Eye

Petr Cech

No stranger to Belfast, or in fact the men in teal, Cech iced in April 2023 as part of a purpose-built Belfast Giants All-Stars roster that took part in The Odyssey Trust’s Hockey Can’t Stop Tour game at The SSE Arena, Belfast.

Owen Nolan

Belfast-born Owen Nolan scored 42 goals and 73 points in his second NHL season after being drafted first overall in 1990. The big power forward went on to play five All-Star games and win gold at the Olympics and World Championship. He retired from the NHL in 2010 with 422 goals and 463 assists.

Image Credit - Bruce Bennett Studios/Getty Images

Jeremy Rebek

Jeremy Rebek captained the Belfast Giants during the 2011/12 season, contributing more than 40 total points and leading the team to the Elite League championship. A legend of Austrian ice hockey, Rebek plied his trade with teams across the ICE Hockey League, capturing the domestic league title with EC Red Bull Salzburg during the 2009/10 campaign.

Image Credit - GEPA Pictures / Matthias Hauer

Jonathan Boxill

Jonathan Boxill first arrived in the Elite League ahead of the 2013/14 season, spending two years with the Nottingham Panthers before landing in Belfast for the 2015/16 season. A Great Britain international, Boxill notched more than 200 appearances for the Giants across four seasons, capturing the Elite League and Challenge Cup titles in 2018/19.

Mark Cooper

First arriving in Belfast for the 2021/22 season, the 31-year-old forward has registered over 180 appearances across three seasons for the Giants, cementing himself as one of the cornerstones of the team. Having played an integral role as alternate captain during his first two seasons in Belfast, Cooper was appointed captain ahead of the 2023/24 season, during which he led the club to its most successful Champions Hockey League campaign in history and the Elite League Playoff Final.

David Goodwin

First arriving in Belfast for the 2019/20 season, 32-year-old Goodwin has notched over 200 appearances across four seasons for the Giants. Having departed for Spanish side CH Jaca at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, the St. Louis-born forward re-joined the Giants midway through the 2023/24 season, recording 28 total points in 31 games.

Ben Lake

Calgary-born British dual-national Lake first arrived in Belfast for the 2019/20 season and has since tallied more than 250 appearances in all competitions across four seasons with the Giants. The experienced forward, who is best-known for his passion and work ethic on the ice, has spent the last three seasons as one of the club’s alternate captains, establishing himself as a well-respected figure by fans and teammates alike.

Josh Roach

From Saskatoon in Canada, Roach first joined the Giants ahead of the 2018/19 season, before going on to play with the Black Wings Linz in the Austrian ICE Hockey League and Kenaston Blizzards in the Saskatchewan Valley Hockey League. Roach then returned to Belfast midway through the 2022/23 season, contributing as a solid defenceman in the historic treble-winning campaign, registering two goals and 16 assists in 25 Elite Ice Hockey League appearances.

Gabe Bast

Alberta-born Bast first joined the Belfast Giants ahead of the 2022/23 season, during which he recorded 74 total points in 72 games in all competitions, playing an integral role in the Giants’ treble-winning campaign. Prior to his first stint in Belfast, Bast spent four-years at the University of North Dakota, where he made over 100 appearances for the Fighting Hawks. Bast then went on to join Kuopio-based side KalPa in the Finnish Liiga for the 2021/22 season, before making the move to Northern Ireland the following season.

Jon Pelle

Jon Pelle joined the Giants ahead of the 2011/12 season, making an immediate impact with his offensive skill and playmaking ability. That season, he played a key role in helping the Giants secure the EIHL League title, contributing 29 goals and 41 assists. Before his time in Belfast, Pelle had success in both North America and Europe, including standout performances in the ECHL and Swedish leagues.

Darryl Lloyd

From Ontario, Canada, 40-year-old Lloyd, who, alongside Adam Keefe, made up the infamous ‘Bash Brothers’ duo, spent five seasons in Belfast between 2011 and 2016, netting 75 times in 289 games for the Giants. Having hung up his skates during the 2019/20 season, Lloyd returned to Belfast in April 2023 to participate in the Belfast Giants All Stars game that raised over £65,000 for the Ukrainian Hockey Dream Foundation.

Kevin Saurette

Having initially joined the Giants as short-term injury cover during the 2012/13 season, Winnipeg-born Saurette quickly became a key part of the team’s offence. After a number of stellar performances throughout the season, the Giants re-signed Saurette the following season, during which he recorded more than 85 total points and helped the team claim the Elite League title. Having been named in the EIHL’s 2013/24 All-Star Team, Saurette was named as one of the Giants’ alternate captains for the 2014/15 campaign, playing alongside fellow members of the testimonial roster, Darryl Lloyd and Robby Sandrock.

Robby Sandrock

First arriving in Belfast in 2002, Robby Sandrock had a remarkable career with the Giants, recording 45 points in 50 games in all competitions throughout his first season. After spending a decade playing in Germany, Sandrock returned to the Giants for the 2012/13 season, where he continued to be an instrumental player from the blue line. At the conclusion of the 2013/14 season, Sandrock was named on the EIHL All-Star Team.

Brandon Benedict

First arriving in Belfast ahead of the 2009/10 campaign, Benedict contributed more than 55 total points during his debut season. After a successful period with the Nottingham Panthers, Benedict returned to Belfast for the 2015/16 campaign and over the next three seasons, played a pivotal role in the team’s success, both as a player and as an assistant coach.

Pete Snodden

From Bangor, Pete Snodden is a broadcaster, DJ, speaker, host, stadium announcer, and TV show, best known for being the voice behind Cool FM's hugely successful breakfast show for the best part of 20 years.

Andrew Dickson

An unequivocal fan favourite, Dickson is among the longest tenured Giants in club history, with five Elite League championships, four Challenge Cups, and an Elite League Playoffs title to his name. Initially making his debut for the Giants during the 2009/10 campaign, the 2024/25 season marked the Ballymoney native’s 14th season in teal.

Tyler Beskorowany

Tyler ‘Besko’ Beskorowany was a talismanic player for the Giants. Standing at six feet four inches, Beskorowany first joined the Giants for the 2018/19 season, backstopping the team to an Elite League title and earning the EIHL Netminder of the Year accolade. After a brief hiatus from hockey, Beskorowany returned in 2021, contributing to multiple championship victories, including the club’s first-ever treble, over the following two seasons.

Stephen Murphy

Fan favourite Murphy originally joined the Giants in 2009 from the Manchester Phoenix. The Scot played a vital role in helping the organisation reach the Playoff Championship at the end of his first season in Belfast. Murphy famously starred in the decisive shootout in the 2010 grand final against the Cardiff Devils. His enviable all-time record includes 10,584 saves in 440 games, achieving a save percentage of 0.913 and 26 shutouts during a mammoth 25,741 minutes of on-ice time.

Siân Brooke

Siân Brooke is an actress, best known for her leading role in the popular BBC series 'Blue Lights'. Siân has also appeared in hit television series, including Sherlock and House of the Dragon.

Image Credit - David Reiss

Ciaran Long

First arriving in Belfast for the 2019/20 season, Long has since recorded over 250 appearances for the Giants across four seasons, contributing over 100 total points in the process. Ahead of the 2023/24 season, Long was named as one of the club’s alternate captains after playing an integral role in the treble-winning 2022/23 campaign.

Mark Garside

From East Kilbride, 35-year-old Garside first arrived in Belfast for the 2010/11 season and recorded over 670 appearances for the Giants across 13 seasons, making him the most capped player in club history. Prior to joining Giants, Garside spent three seasons with the Edinburgh Capitals in his native Scotland between 2006 and 2010, icing over 200 times for the Murrayfield-based side. Across his decorated 18-year career, treble-winner Garside skated for Great Britain’s men’s team at U18, U20, and senior level, notching a total of 40 appearances for the senior side, including two outings at the 2020/21 World Championships in Latvia.

David Phillips

Phillips is no stranger to Belfast, having iced nearly 200 times for the Giants during four spells with the club between 2008 and 2015. First joining in the 2008/09 season, Phillips went on to help the Giants claim the Challenge Cup and Knockout Cup in his debut season. Phillips represented fellow Elite Ice Hockey League sides Coventry Blaze, Manchester Storm, and Sheffield Steelers across a stellar career. Having been a member of Team GB since 2004, in May 2023, Phillips became just the sixth men’s Great Britain ice hockey player to win 100 senior caps – a milestone he reached at the 2023 IIHF World Championship Division I.

Colin Shields

Glasgow-born Shields, former captain of the Belfast Giants, was named on the King's Birthday Honours list for 2023 with recognition for his contribution to the sport. In a glittering career for the Belfast Giants spanning 14 years, the NHL draftee experienced it all. On his way to amassing three EIHL league titles, three Challenge Cups, an EIHL Playoff title, a Knockout Cup, and a host of individual league accolades in teal, Colin Shields set the Belfast Giants record for most appearances (611), goals (245), assists (395) and total points (644). He also broke the goal scoring record for Team GB Men, retiring with a string of medals. His retirement in 2019 was followed by an induction into the UK Ice Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2021. In 2022 Shields' jersey, number 19, was rightfully retired, taking its place alongside the immortals in Belfast.

Craig Peacock

An Elite League and Great Britain legend, Craig Peacock's professional career spanned more than 15-years, notching hundreds of appearances for the Belfast Giants, Glasgow Clan, Manchester Storm, and Fife Flyers. Formerly the General Manager of the NIHL's Solway Sharks, Peacock is a two-time Elite League champion, capturing both titles with the Giants between 2011 and 2014.

Image Credit - Glasgow Clan

Matt Towe

No stranger to the Elite League, Matt Towe spent time with the Belfast Giants, Sheffield Steelers, Cardiff Devils, Glasgow Clan, and Guildford Flames between 2006 and 2019, capturing the Elite League and Challenge Cup titles with the Giants during his final season. The Sheffield-born forward also represented Great Britain across three World Championships between 2007 and 2010.

Mike Hoffman

Massachusetts-born Hoffman spent two seasons in Belfast between 2010 and 2012, racking up more than 70 appearances for the Giants. Prior to making the move to the EIHL, Hoffman had an extensive NCAA, ECHL, and AHL career, icing for sides including the University of Connecticut, Toronto Marlies, Portland Pirates, Chicago Wolves, Florida Everblades, and Las Vegas Wranglers. The one-time Elite League champion finished his career with Dutch side HYS The Hague, captaining the club to the league championship.

Brad Bonello

Hailing from Brampton, Ontario, Brad Bonello has iced for teams across North America and Europe, including the Edinburgh Capitals during the 2008/09 season. Trading his skates for a script, Bonello stars as Marco 'Sly' Sylvestri in the hit Canadian comedy series, Shoresy.

Image Credit - Lindsay Sarazin

Paddy Barnes

Paddy Barnes is a former boxer, who competed as an amateur from 2005 to 2016, and as a professional from 2016 to 2019. As an amateur, Paddy competed in the light-flyweight division, representing Ireland at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics; winning bronze medals in Beijing and London, and representing Northern Ireland at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games; winning a gold medal apiece at the two events.

Image Credit - Press Eye

Michael McKillop

Michael McKillop is a four-time gold medallist, who represented Team Ireland at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Paralympic games. McKillop was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to disability awareness and athletics in Northern Ireland.

Image Credit - Luc Percival/Sportsfile

Neil McManus

Neil McManus is a hurler who plays as a centre-forward for the Antrim men’s senior team. Born in Cushendall, McManus arrived on the inter-county scene at the age of seventeen when he first linked up with the Antrim minor team, before later lining out with the under-21 side. He made his senior debut in the 2007 championship, and has been a key member of the team since then, winning five Ulster medals and one Walsh Cup medal.

Image Credit - Press Eye

Craig Gilroy

Craig Gilroy is a former professional rugby player, who represented Ulster Rugby more than 200 times across a decade long career with the Belfast side. Able to play wing or fullback, Gilroy also notched 10 appearances for Ireland, scoring five tries in total, including one on his debut against Argentina in 2012. Memorably, Gilroy scored a hat trick of tries against Italy in a 63-10 win at the Stadio Olimpico in the 2017 Six Nations.

Image Credit - Press Eye

Steve Saviano

Having spent two seasons with the Giants between 2016 and 2018, icing over 100 times, Massachusetts-born Saviano played an integral part in the Giants reaching the playoffs during both of his seasons in Belfast before moving on to play for Weißwasser-based Lausitzer Füchse in the German DEL2, where he finished his career in 2019.

Chris Higgins

Chris Higgins first joined the Giants for the 2013/14 season, making an immediate impact by contributing 50 total points in 44 regular season games. After a season with the Nottingham Panthers in 2014/15, Higgins returned to Belfast, where he remained a key offensive player. In the 2016/17 season, he recorded 56 total points in 49 appearances.

Blair Riley

Joining the Giants in 2016, Blair Riley quickly established himself as a core part of the team’s offence, going on to play 165 regular season games for the Giants, recording 182 total points. In the 2017/18 season, Riley was named team captain, leading the Giants to back-to-back Challenge Cup victories in 2017/18 and 2018/19.

Kyle Baun

Kyle Baun spent the 2018/19 season with the Belfast Giants, notching an 93 total points in 81 games in all competitions. Baun's impressive contribution on the ice played a significant role in helping the Giants to secure the 2018/19 Elite League and Challenge Cup titles. Prior to arriving in Belfast, Baun spent two seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL between 2014 and 2016.

Dustin Johner

Selected by the Florida Panthers in the sixth round of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Dustin Johner iced for teams across North America, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Germany, and Sweden before spending the last two seasons of his career in Belfast. The Saskatchewan-born forward registered over 100 appearances for the Giants between 2017 and 2019, helping the club to secure back-to-back Challenge Cups and the 2018/19 Elite League title.

Matt Nickerson

The imposing 6'5" Nickerson, who was the 99th overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, first landed in the Elite League in 2013, joining the Fife Flyers. After two seasons and more than 90 appearances for the Kirkcaldy side, Nickerson spent the 2015/16 and 2016/17 with the Giants, icing over over 100 times.

Mike Richards

From Ontario, Mike Richards spent 11 seasons in the NHL with the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, and Washington Capitals. A former Flyers' captain and Kings' alternate captain, the two-time Stanley Cup winner also represented his native Canada on 16 occasions, most notably at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Image Credit - AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

Joanne Crawford

Joanne Crawford is an actress, best known for her roles in hit series such as Blue Lights, Line of Duty, and Small Things Like These.

Image Credit - Belfast Telegraph

Nathan Braniff

Nathan Braniff is a stage and television actor from Belfast. He is best known for his role in the BBC One series, Blue Lights.

Image Credit - BBC/Two Cities Television/Todd Antony

Ryan Burnett

Belfast-born Ryan Burnett is a retired professional boxer who competed from 2013 to 2019. He was a unified bantamweight world champion, having held the WBA and IBF titles between 2017 and 2018. At a regional level, Ryan held the British bantamweight title from 2015 to 2017.

Image Credit - Press Eye