Giants add Cech as emergency cover

Photo: Belfast Giants

Belfast Giants have added former Premier League footballer Peter Cech as an emergency goalie.

Cech is no stranger to Belfast, having iced in April 2023 as part of a purpose-built Belfast Giants All-Stars roster that took part in The Odyssey Trust’s Hockey Can’t Stop Tour game at The SSE Arena, Belfast. The one-off international game against Ukrainian side Dnipro Kherson raised over £65,000 for Ukrainian Hockey Dream – the registered charity of the Ice Hockey Federation of Ukraine.

Cech will be on the Giants' gameday roster as an Emergency Backup while both Jackson Whistle and Andrew Dickson, are both out injured. Emergency Backup Goaltenders do not count towards a team's overall roster size.

Adam Keefe, Head coach of Belfast Giants, said: "We’re very appreciative of the support of both the Oxford City Stars and Petr himself. Petr is a highly decorated athlete, who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level, so his support during this loan period will be invaluable."

Cech began this season at Oxford City Stars of NIHL1, and will be loaned to the Giants for temporary cover.