Trio of title-winning Giants return

Photo: William Cherry

Three members of the Belfast Giants 2019 title-winning squad will be back in teal for 2021/22.

The Giants announced the return of netminder Tyler Beskorwany, defenseman Kevin Raine, and forward Darcy murphy during a special event for season ticket holders on Wednesday evening.

"This day has been a long time coming for both the club and the fans. We’re gearing up to make a big impact when we get back on the ice in Belfast this season and these signings show we mean business," explained Head Coach Adam Keefe. "Darcy Murphy, Kevin Raine and Tyler Beskorowany are players of exceptional standing, each with significant on-ice achievements here in Belfast and elsewhere."

Beskorwany moved to Banská Bystrica of Slovakia the season after winning the league and cup double with the Giants. In 2020/21 he signed for Villach in Austria, joining up with coach Dan Ceman again, but was released due to injury after playing just one game for the team.

“I went camping with my brother-in-law, and I was listening to some tunes and reminiscing about my time in Belfast," said the 31-year-old. "I started missing the game again. I started missing that feeling of playing and being in those competitive situations. “Two days after my camping trip, Keefer ended up texting me and I knew that had to be fate!"

Defenseman Raine joined the Giants in 2017 and spent three seasons with the team before the onset of the pandemic, winning two Challenge Cups and one league title.

"Ultimately, had Belfast not had a season this year I don't know that I would have played. I wanted to return to Belfast, to continue to play for the Belfast Giants, said the 28-year-old. "The people that you meet, the teammates I've had and the experiences we've had on the ice create this slide show of really great memories."

Darcy Murphy scored over 90 points for the Giants across all competitions in their league-winning season, and has put up 141 in the Elite League across his two years with the Giants to date. In 2020/21, he iced for Comarch Cracovia of Poland towards the back end of the season, scoring 17 points in 12 league games, and three in 15 playoff matches.

"It’s going to be a new team, but you have to be ready for it. Every game counts! I have a good relationship with Adam Keefe and Steve Thornton and kept in touch over the last couple of years. I felt like it was a good fit and a good time to return," added the 28-year-old. "I’m excited to see all of the familiar faces. I’m excited to play hockey again in Belfast and I’m sure everyone else is excited after missing it for the last 15 months!"