JOSH Roach will rejoin the Belfast Giants for the 2024/25 season after the 31-year-old defenceman had his contract extended.
Having previously played in Austria and Canada with visits to Belfast in between, Roach doesn’t seem to be able to shake the teal of the Giants.
Adam Keefe, head coach of the Belfast Giants, said: “We’re happy to have Roachy back in teal. He’s a leader on the team and knows what it takes to win.
“He adds value on both sides of the puck, offensively and defensively, and isn’t afraid to get stuck in.”
After recovering from an injury, Roach returned to action in January 2024, notching an impressive 30 total points in 33 games in all competitions, helping the Giants to make the Playoff Finals Weekend at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.
Roach, who expressed his excitement to be returning to the SSE Arena, said: “Belfast has become a second home for me, and I have nothing but love for the organisation, the city, and of course, our awesome fans.
“I feel like we have a little bit of unfinished business from last year, and I am looking forward to the challenge of a new season.”
Coach Keefe shared Roach’s sentiment, highlighting the anticipation to see what he can do with a full, healthy season for the Giants.
First joining the Giants ahead of the 2018/19 season having spent five years playing college hockey with the University of Saskatchewan.
Roach left the side to play with the Black Wings Linz in the Austrian ICE Hockey League and Kenaston Blizzards in the Saskatchewan Valley Hockey League in his home country of Canada.
Roach then came back to Belfast midway through the 2022/23 season, offering a solid contribution to the team in the historic treble-winning campaign, registering two goals and 16 assists in 25 Elite Ice Hockey League appearances.
Roach returned to action from his ACL injury in January 2024, notching an impressive 30 total points in 33 games in all competitions, helping the Giants to make the Playoff Finals Weekend at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.
