With the puck about to be dropped on Belfast Giant’s 2024/25 campaign this weekend, all signs are positive for Adam Keefe’s men.
Having secured four wins from four in their pre-season fixtures against Carleton University Ravens, University of Alberta Golden Bears, Team GB and the Cardiff Devils, the men in teal will be striving to carry their momentum into the competitive season.
The Giant’s first real test comes this weekend with a Scottish double-header against Dundee Stars and Fife Flyers.
Strong performances and 23 goals in pre-season provide some early indication that Adam Keefe’s much-changed roster has already developed some chemistry despite major upheaval over the summer months.
One such new arrival, Canadian centre Jordan Kawaguchi, has spoken of his confidence for the season ahead as he prepares to don the teal jersey for the first time in a competitive game.
“Pre-season has done well for us - we played four games and got four wins,” the 27-year-old explains.
“The guys have started to click really well and all the new guys are settling in and hopefully picking up the new systems pretty quickly. It has been an encouraging start, but of course it’s the competitive games that matter and I can’t wait to get on the ice and get going with the regular season.”
Kawaguchi has been slotting in well himself, combining well in offence with his teammates and chipping in with assists and goals in what has already been a promising start to his time in the city.
The centre is keen to deflect attention from himself and heaps praise on his new team-mates for their contributions, saying he was quickly impressed with the amount of quality on the roster in Belfast.
“There’s lots of guys who have been impressive in pre-season and training.” Kawaguchi explains.
“Elijah Barriga has been brilliant on his return from long-term injury. Pierre-Olivier Morin also already looks to be hitting some great form. There’s too many to single out, but it’s a strong squad and there’s a really positive atmosphere which will really help too.”
Kawaguchi - who joined the Giants following two seasons in the ECHL with the Idaho Steelheads - has some built-in chemistry with ex-University of North Dakota teammates, Gabe Bast and Grant Mismash, making the transition into a new team and city somewhat easier.
“Since joining I’ve been really impressed with the set-up here in Belfast.” Kawaguchi explains.
“There’s a fantastic winning culture in the organisation and I know that the goal here is always to aim for three trophies.
“My game has always been offence, so my goal this season is to chip in as often as I can and create opportunities for my team-mates.
“The message from Adam Keefe is to stick together as a group because there will inevitably be ups and downs over the course of the season. It’s about staying consistent.
“We have the mentality that we go into every game expecting to win because we want all three trophies back. In hockey, anything can happen and that’s a big reason why we love the sport. It will be tough to bring back the silverware but that’s definitely the goal and I think it’s realistic.
“As for the other teams in the league and the teams we face this weekend, the coaches have told us what to expect and we’re ready.”
