Giants add Barriga with Beskorowany and Lake returning

Photo: William Cherry

Grand Slam champions Belfast Giants have continued their building for season 2023/24 with the addition of a new face, and the return of two others.

Forward Elijiah Barriga heads to the SSE Arena after spending his debut EIHL season in Dundee. In 62 games, the American hit 30 goals and assisted on 35 others for 65 points on the team that finished last overall. 

"This is a great signing for us. Barriga plays a competitive, passionate, and fast game on the ice – exactly what we are looking for here in our players in Belfast. We know he will make good impacts both on and off the ice and fit in well with the rest of the guys," said Head Coach Adam Keefe.

“We look forward to welcoming Elijiah to The SSE Arena, Belfast, especially to introduce him as a Belfast Giant to arguably the best fans in the world, the Teal Army.”

Returning to the Giants from their Grand Slam-team are goalie Tyler Beskowowany, and forward Ben Lake. Neither are strangers to the Elite League or Belfast, with the pair having clocked up over 150 appearances each in the EIHL and the majority of those being in teal.

"Tyler is a great teammate; his presence in the locker room, and on the ice during games brings a sense of confidence to the entire roster - he’s a pleasure to coach, and to watch on the ice. We are excited to see him return to do what he does best between the pipes," continued Keefe, while of Lake he added:

“A player like Laker is hard to come by – he’s a worker, that’s for sure. He’s proven time and time again that he’s an all-round player who knows when to make offensive moves, and when to drop back to the blue line to contribute defensively. His time with the GB international team has been key to his development over the last number of years, and we’re delighted to have him back with us.”