Lake and Bast Lower Curtain on Distinguished Careers

First arriving in Belfast for the 2019/20 season, 35-year-old Lake tallied more than 390 appearances for the Giants across six seasons, posting 226 total points in all competitions. Appointed one of the club’s alternate captains ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, the Calgary-born forward played an integral role in delivering eight championships during his time in Belfast, including the first-ever treble in the 2022/23 season.

Beyond the Giants, Lake also made his mark across the wider Elite League, spending three seasons with the Coventry Blaze and Manchester Storm, during which he notched a further 132 appearances and 123 points. During the 2018/19 season, Lake’s remarkable form first saw him selected to represent Great Britain - a feat that he would go on to accomplish more than 40 times.

Speaking on his retirement, Ben Lake said: “After six unforgettable seasons with the Giants, the time has come for me to say goodbye to the sport I’ve dedicated my life to. It’s incredibly hard to put into words what this club has meant to me because it’s been so much more than just a team. It has been a huge part of my family’s and my life.

“I’ve made memories that will stay with me forever, built lifelong friendships, and had the privilege of celebrating eight championships. Belfast became a home for me and my wife - a city where we built our life together and a place that will always hold a piece of our hearts because it’s where our daughter was born.

“To the coaches, staff, fans, and everyone behind the scenes, thank you for everything you’ve done for my family and me. To my teammates, thank you for the battles, the laughs, and the memories. Sharing the locker room and going to war with you every night has been one of the greatest privileges of my hockey career.

“I will always be proud to have worn the Giants’ jersey. I will always be grateful for what this club and this city have given me. Belfast will forever be a part of me, and the Giants will always hold a special place in my heart. We can’t wait to return one day and show our daughter where she was born.”

Like Lake, Gabe Bast made a name for himself in NCAA hockey, spending four seasons with the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks from 2017 to 2021. After his first taste of life in Europe with Finnish side KalPa Kuopio, Bast’s first stint with the Giants came in the treble-winning 2022/23 season, during which he contributed an astonishing 74 points in just 72 games from the blue line.

Having departed to join the Red Deer Rustlers of the North Central Senior Hockey League after his first season with the Giants, Bast opted to return to Belfast ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, where he iced a further 132 times before his decision to retire, having won six trophies in three seasons.

Commenting on his retirement, Gabe Bast said: “Having the opportunity to play for the Giants and live in Belfast has been such a special experience. I'm incredibly grateful for the fans, my teammates, and everyone who made my time here so memorable.

"I'm moving on to the next chapter, and I'm so thankful that Belfast was a part of our journey. I'll always look back on this time with so much appreciation. Thank you for everything, Belfast."

Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants, commented: “Laker [Ben Lake] and Basty [Gabe Bast] have both had outstanding professional careers and have been extremely important players for this club. Their consistency and professionalism across nearly 600 games for the Giants is admirable, but what stands out more is what they brought to this group every day. They’ve both given everything for the Giants and have undoubtedly left the organisation better than they found it.”