New signing Doggett joins Hook and Long in Belfast
Giants announce another trio of signings
The Belfast Giants announced the next three players in their squad for season 2021/22 on Wednesday morning.
Return to the team are forwards Lewis Hook and Ciaran Long, both of whom represented Great Britain in May's World Championships. New to the organisation is Canadian forward Slater Doggett.
The 27-year-old from Ontario has spent his past two seasons in Europe. Last campaign, he was 8+10 for Nové Zámky of Slovakia, while his first year on the continent saw him put up 86 points (42+44) in 44 games for Vipiteno of the Alps League.
"We’ve had a strong start, with our announcement of 'Besko', 'Murphy' and 'Rainer' last week. We’re adding to that now with a huge part of our core team in Lewis Hook and Ciaran Long. We’re excited the guys are back wearing teal again this season," said Head Coach Adam Keefe.
"Topping this off is the addition of a new player in Slater Doggett who we think can have great success in this league and for this team. He’s a player that we’ve been tracking for a few years, and we’re excited to bring him to Belfast.
“His former coach Dustin Whitecotton was a great Belfast Giants player, who left everything on the ice for this club; he’s now coaching in Italy and coached Slater – it was great to have him on our side and to help get his signing over the line.
“We’re working hard to look for and sign the best players that we can to have another successful season and bring more trophies to Belfast.”
Hook joined the Giants for their double-winning league and cup squad of 2018/19 after spending four seasons in Milton Keynes. In total, he has 72 points over 196 Elite League games.
“Ever since I signed for Belfast two years ago, I’ve loved every second. I’ve been fortunate to win some trophies and obviously we want to continue that. Keefer and Steve are putting together a great team, I’ve got great friends there – friends on the ice, backstage and it’s kind of like a second home to me, so it was a no-brainer to come back” said the 24-year-old.
Long moved to the Giants for 2019/20 after a prolific couple of seasons with Manchester. In 175 Elite League games, Long has scored 122 points.
"I love Belfast, everything about Belfast – the fans are great, the boys are great, the club is amazing. It was a really easy decision… The people in Northern Ireland are really kind people and really great fun; it’s great craic as you say," added the 30-year-old.
“With my numbers that I put up in Belfast last year, I want to prove to people that I can do what I did in Manchester in Belfast. I’m going to keep doing what I was doing and what Keefer wants me to do. We’re here to win trophies really; that’s the big picture."
