Position: Defence
Date of Birth: 30/05/1971
Height: 6ft1"   Weight: 194lbs
Shoots: Right   Birthpace: Propad, Slovakia

After justifiably winning several supporters awards last season for most valuable player of the year, Roman Gavalier was high on Ed Courtenay's and Todd Kelman's list of players that they wanted to build their squad around. The slick Slovakian defender stepped up his game last season proving to be one of the best defenders in the league. Night after night Gavalier could have picked up the man of the match award, as his consistent quality on the ice was simply inspiring. Logging more ice time than most players, his contribution to the Giants defence has turned Roman into a fan favourite with the Odyssey faithful. Ed Courtenay had this to say about signing Gavalier, "You never have to worry about what kind of game you are going to get from Roman, he is consistently solid and is one of the best defensive players in the league. He was an easy choice to sign again after proving to me last season just how valuable he is back on the blueline."

This is Roman's third stint with the Coors Belfast Giants. He played in the 2004/2005 Giants team under Coach Tony Hand but returned to central Europe, playing in the Polish League for Unia Oswiecim. A delighted Courtenay said on Gavalier's return last season, "Roman is an outstanding defender and everyone will remember his contribution to the Giants the last time he wore the jersey. He is an excellent skater and passer and will be superb when we have to kill powerplays. He has a hard-hitting slapshot and is very exciting for the fans to watch. I know they'll be delighted to have him back. "Roman is no doubt one of the top defensemen in the Elite league, as many of the players having to play against him will testify. In his career with Poprad in his hometown country of Slovakia, Roman twice won the League's best defenseman award and has already shown just how talented he is on the Giants blueline. He has also represented his country at international level on several occasions.