Belfast Giants coach: Success ‘will always lead to players leaving teams’

Adam Keefe admits that when your squad enjoys success in the way that the Belfast Giants did last season when they won the Grand Slam, players will inevitably be enticed away by others teams in Europe and North America.
By Darryl Armitage
Published 6th Oct 2023, 14:47 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Reflecting on his new squad he said: “There has been a big turnover in the squad since last season.

“Obviously, when you have success, you will have other teams around Europe looking to take players away from you.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is also the case for those who believe they have done all they can or who wish to retire.

Belfast Giants goalie Tyler Beskowarany and defenceman Jeff Baum in action during last Friday's game against the Glasgow Clan at Braehead. It was a game that the Giants went on to win 4-2. Picture: Al GooldBelfast Giants goalie Tyler Beskowarany and defenceman Jeff Baum in action during last Friday's game against the Glasgow Clan at Braehead. It was a game that the Giants went on to win 4-2. Picture: Al Goold
Belfast Giants goalie Tyler Beskowarany and defenceman Jeff Baum in action during last Friday's game against the Glasgow Clan at Braehead. It was a game that the Giants went on to win 4-2. Picture: Al Goold

He added: “And then you also have the case that some of the guys feel that they have achieved as much as they can with you and what to move on or were retirement, you can't fault anyone for that, it's just part of the game.

“It meant that we had to make those changes and that is what we have done. I am happy with the changes.”

That squad is on a learning curve says Keefe.

“We took a big step against Dundee when we went two goals down early in the game. It was a great comeback win for us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad
Belfast Giants goalie Tyler Beskowarany and defenceman Miles Gendron in action during last Friday's game against the Glasgow Clan at Braehead. It was a game that the Giants went on to win 4-2. Picture: Al GooldBelfast Giants goalie Tyler Beskowarany and defenceman Miles Gendron in action during last Friday's game against the Glasgow Clan at Braehead. It was a game that the Giants went on to win 4-2. Picture: Al Goold
Belfast Giants goalie Tyler Beskowarany and defenceman Miles Gendron in action during last Friday's game against the Glasgow Clan at Braehead. It was a game that the Giants went on to win 4-2. Picture: Al Goold

“Such a win will help breed confidence in the group to know that we can been there before and we know how to change the script.

“It was nice to see the players fight back in that game and ultimately take control of that game. It is what I will be looking for throughout this season.”

The Giants are get their league campaign underway this weekend, they the Guildford Flames at the Spectrum on Saturday with a 6pm faceoff. The following day they play Cardiff Devils in Wales with a 6pm faceoff.

Related topics:EuropeWalesDundee