With the coming of the new millennium, Canadian businessman Bob Zeller brought to Belfast, Ireland's first professional ice hockey team who took to their home ice at the Odyssey Arena on December 2nd to play the Ayr Scottish Eagles in front of a sellout crowd.

The Early Years

In February 2002 (the following season) the team were bringing home their first silverware in the form of the British Ice Hockey Superleague Championship, and finished in the runners up spot in the Challenge Cup Final under the guidance of head coach Dave Whistle.

The 2002 off season seen a change in the board room with the departure of Bob Zeller, making way for new Chairman Albert Maasland as the team were making preparations to compete in the Continental Cup in Lugano, Switzerland.

In April 2003 the team once again brought home silverwear in the form of the League Playoff Title, defeating the London Knights by a scoreline of 5-3 in a game that proved to be the last in charge for Head Coach Dave Whistle.

Jersey Retirements

Giants hard man Paxton Schulte and winger Colin Ward quickly became household names and after announcing their retirements at the end of the 2004 season their jerseys were raised to the rafters in recognition of their service and achievement with the Giants.

Theo Fleury

When it comes to household names there is none more synonymous in Giants circles than NHL legend Theo Feury. Fleury took to the ice for his first game in giants colours to play the Edinburgh Capitals at the Odyssey Arena on the 15th October 2005 where he scored 7 points. (3 goals, 4 assists).

After contributing significantly to the Giants second League title in 2005, Fleury was named as the leagues most valuable player, voted by the ice hockey writers association.

Todd Kelman

After 7 years service with the Belfast Giants, defenceman Todd Kelman chose to hang up his skates taking up the vacant General Managers position created by the departure of John Elliott.

Kelman was a member of the first Belfast Giants team and In recognition of his years spent as a Giant., The owners and coach Ed Courtneay awarded him with the first Testimonial game in the clubs history, with an all-star team selected by Todd taking on the 2006/07 Belfast Giants.