By Maria McCann
Adam Keefe has been appointed the new head coach of the Belfast Giants.
He first debuted for the team in 2011 before later becoming assistant coach more recently.
Keefe has played an extensive role in helping the organisation win two of it’s four Elite League championships.
He said: I know what the fans and this city expects with regards to trophies. I know what is expected of me and I look forward to the challenge, I would not have it any other way.
"An Adam Keefe team competes hard every single night. It’s not easy to win in this league and a consistent work ethic will carry us through.
"I’m a big believer in relentless puck pursuit with fast physical hockey. Years ago our Arena was known as a tough place to come into, teams knew they were going to pay the price when they came here with a hard fought game. I’d like to bring that back and make it tough for teams to come in here and win hockey games."
Keefe captained the Giants from 2012/13 until the most recent season, 2016/17, and during his six seasons in Belfast played in 352 games and posted 56 goals, 78 assists, 134 points as well as 1,082 Penalty Minutes.
Keefe will now begin to assemble the 2016/17 Giants team that will compete on all fronts as the organisation goes in search of their fifth Elite League championship.
Steve Thornton, Head of Hockey Operations said: "I am delighted that Adam accepted the position of Head Coach. Adam understands what it means to be a Giant, what the Giants mean to the community and he is one of the best leaders that I have seen.
"Coaching is in his bloodlines, this is something that he has been prepping for and he knows what it takes to win in this league which will help him with the transition. We are confident that we have found the right man for the job."