Despite missing out on the treble last term, the Belfast Giants approach pre-season with a spring in their step. Adam Keefe’s squad secured a memorable league and cup double in 2021-22 and are expected to contend for silverware once again.
However, the Giants face stiff competition at the top of the Elite League, with their Champions Hockey League (CHL) return set to stretch them to the limit. Belfast are under pressure to strengthen and deepen their roster as a result.
Keefe’s top priority is replacing star forward J.J. Piccinich. The former Toronto Marlie opted against re-signing in Belfast this summer, joining Norwegian side Stjernen Hockey as a free agent.
But many of the Giants’ double-winners are back for another year, including Team Great Britain’s Ben Lake and American forward David Goodwin.
2022-23 Belfast Giants Roster
Last Updated: 14:22 on 18/07/2022
Giants Netminders
Returning Player:
Andrew Dickson: Returning for his eleventh season in teal, Dickson is part of the furniture in Belfast. The 34-year-old from Ballymoney will reprise his role as Keefe’s No. 3 goaltender after helping the Giants to wins over Sheffield and Fife last time out.
Giants Defencemen
New Signings:
Gabe Bast: This isn’t Bast’s first rodeo in Europe. After graduating from the University of North Dakota, he made 18 appearances in the Finnish Liiga and arrives in Belfast with an impressive CV. The 5-foot-10 Canadian is a puck-moving blueliner with silky skating and a degree in Communications. Now, he’s ready to do his talking on the ice.
“Off the back of a stint in Finland, Bast has gained valuable experience in Liiga, and we know he will bring that European experience, as well as a strong defensive presence to the ice in Belfast next season.”
Adam Keefe, Belfast Giants Head Coach
Matt Foley: 27-year-old Foley arrives in Belfast with plenty of experience in the NCAA (with Yale) and ECHL (with the Wheeling Nailers). The 6-foot-1 American relishes defending with his body and adds physicality to Keefe’s blueline.
Returning Players:
Jeff Baum: Considering it was his rookie year as a professional, Baum was excellent for the Giants in 2021-22. The 5-foot-11 defender patrolled the blueline with poise and took difficult assignments in his stride. Entering his age-27 season, the American has his best years ahead of him.
Mark Garside: 33-year-old Garside doesn’t do half measures. He will participate in his twelfth season as a Belfast Giant in 2022-23, making him the club’s longest-serving active player. Born in East Kilbride, the 5-foot-9 blueliner contributed 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) in 50 appearances last year.
Sam Ruopp: According to Keefe, 26-year-old Ruopp is a “true team player” with an important role in Belfast’s defensive efforts. He was a blueline menace last season, using his 6-foot-4 frame to thwart attacks. The left-shooting skater is Canadian-British.
“Last season was incredible. Winning two out of three championships was a great feat for us and something that we are incredibly proud of.”
Sam Ruopp, Belfast Giants Defenceman
Giants Forwards
New Signings:
Chad Butcher, C: Born in 1996, Butcher has scored consistently at every level he’s played at. He was prolific in the Western Hockey League (WHL), registering 103 points (27 goals, 76 assists) in his final season with the Medicine Hat Tigers. Since, his poaching instincts have taken him to the American Hockey League, ECHL, and Allsvenskan.
Colby McAuley, C: Keefe expects McAuley’s “physical style” to be popular in Belfast. The 6-foot forward isn’t afraid to throw his body around and is set to centre the Giants’ third line.
Steve Owre, C: 26-year-old Owre netted 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) in 33 Ligue Magnus appearances last term, before playing at a point-per-game pace in the playoffs. His CV includes time in the ECHL, USports and WHL.
“Colby, Chad and Steve were eager to sign in Belfast because they want to win, and they want to compete in the CHL. They’re well-rounded players who have a built-in chemistry from playing around Western Canada and the ECHL together.”
Adam Keefe, Belfast Giants Head Coach
Returning Players:
Mark Cooper, RW: After netting 62 points (28 goals, 34 assists) in 53 games in his debut Elite League season, Toronto-born Cooper is back for more. Before making the switch to Europe, he played 253 games in the ECHL, registering 200 points (81 goals, 119 assists). Pedigree.
David Goodwin, C/LW: There are 80 reasons why Goodwin is a fan favourite in Belfast: he notched 27 goals and 53 assists on the Elite League’s most potent line last term and is set to take the competition by storm again.
Of returning to the SSE Arena, he said: “Belfast is like a second home to me – I love the community, the culture, and the fans are amazing… I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else.”
“He played an instrumental role in our double trophy success last season, leading the Giants as captain he showed immense compassion for his teammates, the Giants organisation, and our fans – the Teal Army. A key player in our offensive zone, I know Goody will return hungry for another season of success.”
Adam Keefe, Belfast Giants Head Coach
Ben Lake, LW/C: Don’t mess with Lake. He isn’t afraid of skating in dirty areas of the ice and throwing his body around to light a fire under his teammates. The Team GB stalwart put up 42 points (17 goals, 25 assists) in 50 games last season and will embark on his third campaign in Belfast this autumn.
Ciaran Long, LW/D: Long registered 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) in 51 appearances from Belfast’s bottom-six last season, using his 6-foot-3 frame to help the Giants at both ends of the ice. The 31-year-old also made three appearances for Team GB at the 2022 World Championship.
* Position data sourced via Elite Prospects.
2021-22 Belfast Giants at a Glance
League Position and Record: 1st, 43-9-2
Playoff Performance: Lost in final to Cardiff Devils
Leading Scorer: J.J. Piccinich, 80 points (35 goals, 45 assists) in 54 games
Challenge Cup Performance: Won in final versus Cardiff Devils
