44 replies to this topic

[Barmy Army]

Since I started a signing thread for Kimi I thought I create one for Reb too.

You'll be glad to hear that your Giants finally have a coach. Here's the press release

BELFAST GIANTS SECURE NEW COACH

Belfast Giants General Manager, John Elliott today announced the appointment of Ed Courtenay as Coach for the 2005/2006. Courtenay is a highly regarded, ex NHL player having notched up a credible 44 games for the San Jose Sharks in the 90s and most recently has been consistently one of the highest points scorers as a Player and Assistant Coach for the South Carolina Stingrays.

After some time negotiating with many interested Coaches, John Elliott today sent a clear message to fans and Elite League opponents. “I am delighted that Ed Courtenay has agreed to coach the Belfast Giants next season and I believe the fans will agree. Ed brings a combination of very high calibre playing qualities, an excellent coaching reputation and extensive contacts throughout ice hockey in Europe and North America. He is also no stranger to the style of play in the UK as he formerly played for Sheffield and Ayr Scottish Eagles.”

Elliott also reassured fans that the Giants bench would now begin to fill quickly. “In addition to potential coaches, I have been receiving phone calls and emails from players, and indeed our new investor, Jim Yaworski has been investigating opportunities. During negotiations with Ed, he was also providing potential players for approach so I am sure the next few weeks will continue to be very exciting.”

The fixture list for the Belfast Giants has been released and Ed will be arriving in Belfast in August, ahead of the squad to then begin pre-season training in the run up to the 9th September opening home game v’s Newcastle Vipers at the Odyssey Arena.

[Reb]

Thanks Barmy. That is good news, I think.

[Barmy Army]

Here's something else for you to ponder Reb

Theo Fleury may be a Giant

[jojo983]

Here's something else for you to ponder Reb

Theo Fleury may be a Giant

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thats cool that Theo might be playing for the Giants.

[Barmy Army]

Interview with Theo

[Reb]

I don't know how I feel about this. We'll just have to see how it plays out for Theo AND for the Team.

[Barmy Army]

Yeah I'm not sure about it either Though you never know it might be just what Theo needs.

[Barmy Army]

More rumours....

One of my friends(P.T.) on THF has said that Curt Bowen was quoted in a newspaper today saying that won't be back for the Giant.

P.T said...

He says there is not enough time to build a winning team and that he wouldn't "risk his reputation" on the Giants this year.

No official conformation on this yet but when there is I'll post on on here for you Reb.

[AngryPirateWoW]

Barmy, one off my all-time favorite players was with Belfast last year, Mel Angelstad (former Pirate), do you know if he will be back there this year?

[Barmy Army]

Sorry but Angelstad has signed for the Newcastle Vipers, they are in the same league as the Giants though.

[Barmy Army]

Hurrah I knew if I left it for a bit someone on THF would get a link.

Curt Bowen Article

[Barmy Army]

There hasn't been much in the way of roster news for the Giants but here's what there is so far. Info taken from here

In:
Coach  Ed Courtenay  Signed from South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL, America)  21.07.05
 

Out:
Coach
F  Tony Hand    To Edinburgh Capitals (EIHL)  18.05.05
F  Mel Angelstad  To Newcastle Vipers (EIHL)  23.06.05
G  Martin Klempa  To Coventry Blaze (EIHL)  02.07.05
F  Fredrik Näsvall  To Nordic Vikings (China)  22.07.05
D  Roman Gavalier  To Unia Oswiecim (Poland)  26.07.05
F  Curtis Bowen  Confirmed as not re-signing  31.07.05

[AngryPirateWoW]

Thanks Barmy. It's nice to see that Mel is still playing somewhere. Wish he was back in Portland though. I think any Pirates fan could tell you that he is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet (off the ice anyway) .

[Barmy Army]

Hey always glas to help, that's why I started these threads.

More news from the Giants. Shane Johnson, George Awada, Todd Kelman and Marc Levers are returning.

Belfast Press Release.

lfast Giants Coach, Ed Courtenay has today announced the first four players to sign for the forthcoming 2005/2006 season. Speaking from the States, Courtenay confirmed Shane Johnson, Todd Kelman, George Awada and Marc Levers would be returning. “There are a number of new names and faces in the pipeline, but I have also been quick to ensure some of the players from pervious years are secured. I’ve played against Todd and Shane and they are formidable defenders to face our Elite League rivals. George Awada is simply a player that we had to have in our team next season after last year’s performance as the Giants top goal scorer and also as an inspiration to other players in the team. Marc Levers is one of the best young British players and having scored 10 goals for the team last year he will be a valuable asset to the third line. All four guys have consistently delivered superb individual performances and that sets a benchmark for the forthcoming season. The ability to gel as a team on the ice and in the locker room is equally important to me and I know this a solid base to start with and one which the fans will be equally as happy to see confirmed.”

Courtenay added that the next few weeks would see a series of announcements, “I have a lot of negotiations going on, at various stages of completion and as soon as I have signatures on dotted lines, I’ll be able to reveal how the bench is going to be filled. As travel plans are confirmed, I’ll be able to plan pre-season training and the team will take shape in preparation for our first game on the 9th September against the Newcastle Vipers.”

[Reb]

Champion Barmy, simply champion!

[Barmy Army]

The rumour on THF is that Curt Bowen has signed for the Coventry Blaze. More info will follow when I can track down something offical.

[Barmy Army]

Okay ignore the last post it seems it was crap info and someone was mucking about on THF. Humble apologies

[Barmy Army]

HUPPE RETURNS

Ed Courtenay today confirmed that Curtis Huppe will return to the Belfast Giants. Curtis is delighted to be returning to Belfast to team up with his old team mates - Skiehar and Coach Courtenay from the SC Stingrays. Courtenay said, "Huppe scored 62 points last year for the Giants and I know he will work well with the rest of the players that I have in my plan".

Curtis started last season slowly but once he began scoring he didnt let up and he ended the year with an impressive 27+35 for 62 points from 56 games. Curtis has also previously played alongside new coach Ed Courtenay and new signing Shawn Skiehar at the South Carolina Stingrays.

They also re-signed Leigh Jamieson and Jason Bowen and Signed a new power forward named Shawn Skiehar.

[Barmy Army]

GIANTS ANNOUNCE MIKE MINARD AS NEW NET MINDER


Wednesday 17th August 2005 - Belfast Giants Coach, Ed Courtenay today announced he’d got his netminder, “I’m delighted to announce that Mike Minard will be goal tending for the Belfast Giants this coming season, skating onto the Odyssey ice on Friday the 9th September against the Newcastle Vipers. Mike’s statistics speak for themselves. Selected in the fourth round by the Edmonton Oilers in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, Minard began his professional career in 1996-97 with Wheeling of the East Coach Hockey League. He also played in the ECHL with New Orleans, Dayton, Reading and Toledo, and finally last season completed a good year with Columbia Inferno where he had an impressive 5 shutouts during the regular season. I believe he will be outstanding in the Elite League this year.”

Mike Minard was selected by his peers at the Columbia Inferno to represent them at the 2005 Coors Light ECHL All-Star game in Pennsylvania January 2005. His Coach at the time, Scott White, said of Mike, “Mike has been amazingly consistent since the beginning of the season. With a young defensive corps in front of him, he has kept us in a lot of hockey games. His preparation and professionalism is very apparent and it rubs off on the rest of the players.” That’s the type of recommendation Courtenay has been looking for, adding, “Nobody is more focused on the task at hand than Mike Minard. He is the first player on the ice and off.”

“The fans will love Minard for his ice skills but also for his genuine and sincere personality. Known to his teammates as "Mini" he has successfully run a community programme, entitled, “Mini's Munchkins" in aid of sick children and their families. That’s great news for the Belfast Giants schools programme this season. He is also renowned for mentoring with young netminders, and will be a huge asset to developing ice hockey in Northern Ireland.

[Barmy Army]

Theo is now a Giant

[Reb]

Interesting. Very innnnteresting.

[Barmy Army]

Yeah I'm not sure if we should be excited or concerned about this news. I really hope things work out for Theo and he has a successful time in Belfast.

[MKLightning]

I wonder if we will see more of this type of think in UK hockey - anything to get it the kick in the bum it deserves.

[jojo983]

I wonder if we will see more of this type of think in UK hockey - anything to get it the kick in the bum it deserves.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yea this could be a postive thing for hockey in the UK. Hopefully the hockey will be more successful next season also with the Olympics in Feb. It will be a good time to use this promoting hockey over here. I want to know when the London Knights are returning. I heard as soon as the Dome is done they should be back. Hopefully they will return next season.

[Barmy Army]

Article from the Belfast Telegraph on Fleury