Kawaguchi Returns to Belfast for 2026/27 Season

The Abbotsford-born forward returns to Belfast for his third successive season, having first arrived ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. In his two seasons to date, Kawaguchi has made a sizeable impact, notching more than 125 total points and over 140 appearances in all competitions, and was named as one of the club’s alternate captains last season.

Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants, said: “Ever since Jordan arrived in Belfast, he’s been a hard worker and someone the guys can look towards to change a game. Trusting Jordan with a letter last season felt like a no-brainer, and he proved time and time again that he’s the sort of player who will do whatever it takes for the betterment of his team. Bringing someone of Jordan’s calibre back for another season is a real shot in the arm."

A two-time Elite League champion and one-time Challenge Cup winner, Kawaguchi carved out an impressive NCAA career with the University of North Dakota between 2017 and 2021, and was named captain in his senior year. During his four seasons with the Fighting Hawks, Kawaguchi scored 126 total points in 136 games, ranking him the 46th highest points scorer in the school’s storied history.

Post-college, Kawaguchi signed with the Dallas Stars of the NHL, spending time with the club’s AHL affiliate, the Texas Stars, and the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL. Across four seasons, Kawaguchi’s prolific form continued, recording 130 total points in 166 games.

Commenting on his return to the Giants, Jordan Kawaguchi said: “I couldn’t be more excited for year three in Belfast. The city, the organisation, and, most importantly, the fans, make this place so special. There is nowhere I’d rather be after winning back-to-back Elite League titles. Let’s go for three in a row!”

2026/27 Belfast Giants season tickets are on sale for a limited time only, with the full schedule of Elite League and Challenge Cup fixtures expected soon. For more information or to secure your seat ahead of the new campaign, click here.