BELFAST,U.K-The Coors Belfast Giants added four new faces to their roster for the upcoming 2008-09 season. The defensive ranks were completed last week (July 20) with the addition of Mike Burgoyne and Tyler Howells.
Burgoyne spent the previous two seasons in the CHL with the Oklahoma City Blazers, and in 2006-07 he topped the Blazers in points despite the fact he is a defenseman, and was second in points last season. On top of these feats, Burgoyne was selected for the CHL All Star team, was voted the league’s best offensive defenseman by players and coaches from opposing teams and was selected as his teams Most Valuable Player in both seasons with the Blazers. Burgoyne also spent three seasons in the United Hockey League (2003-2006) and was selected for the starting line up in the All Star teams in two consecutive seasons.
“I am excited and nervous for my European hockey career to start, I haven’t felt this way since I signed my first pro contract, I can’t wait to be on big ice and learn to adapt to the European style of hockey,” 
Burgoyne said “I think it will suit my game very well as I love to control the puck and use my skating to help the forwards create scoring chances, I look forward to meeting all the fans and my teammates and starting a winning season in Belfast.”
Howells’ joins the Giants after completing his first professional season last year, where he started with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the East Coast Hockey League before ending the season with the Helibronn Falcons of the German Bundesliga. Prior to this, Howells starred with the Michigan State University Spartans where he helped and lead the team (as assistant captain) to an NCAA National Championship. On a personal level, was selected for both the NCAA Regional and NCAA National All Star Teams.
“I am very excited to make my initial visit to Northern Ireland, Belfast looks to be a great city and the Giants have a great following, I really can’t wait to be a part of the excitement,” Howell’s said “Coach Thornton has put together a great group of men and I think we can expect big things this year,”
“I have played against and with some of the players on the team this year and know what they can bring to the ice, All in all it should be a great season in Belfast.”
Earlier this week, Head-coach Steve Thornton announced the signings of former Coventry Blaze star, Evan Cheverie and another new face to the UK, Paul Deniset.
Cheverie began his European career with the Coventry Blaze in the 2005-06 season, where he topped the Blaze in points with 20 goals and 32 assists from 43 games. Cheverie then made the move to Morzine-Avoriaz in France where he played alongside Giants Netminder, Stevie Lyle. The Giants were close to signing Cheverie last season but it didn’t finalise Cheverie went onto sign in Norway.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Belfast Giants, I remember playing against the Giants when I was part of the Blaze,” Cheverie said “It was very clear that the fans in Belfast were very supportive of their team and that the organization was committed to winning and that made my decision to come to Belfast an easy one.”
Cheverie looked back on his poor season in Europe.
I didn’t like the way my season played out in Norway last year, I feel as though I have a lot to prove this year and I am looking forward to winning some trophy’s this season and I believe we have the team to do it,” Cheverie said.
Deniset joins from Schwenningen ERC, also from the German Bundesliga where he finished in the top 10 of league scoring. Before moving to Europe, Deniset spent numerous years in the WHL and also played with the University of Manitoba for four seasons.
“Getting one of the top players from the German Bundesliga is a major coup for the Giants, Paul is very fast and very skilled and excels on the big European ice. He is a proven leader having worn a letter three out of four seasons while starring for the University of Manitoba,” Thornton said “He battles extremely hard on the ice and has game breaking skill.
“He was one of the top players in Canada during his last few collegiate years and managed to land himself a job in Germany as a result. I think Paul is going to be one of those players that will make his linemates better.”
Paul Deniset, along with recent signing Andrew Martin will be the inaugural Giants to attend University locally and earn their Master’s Degrees as part of a recent partnership with University of Ulster at Jordanstown. The Giants now only have two roster spots to fill.
“I am thrilled to be part of the Belfast Giants, I remember playing against the Giants when I was part of the Blaze,” Cheverie said “It was very clear that the fans in Belfast were very supportive of their team and that the organization was committed to winning and that made my decision to come to Belfast an easy one.”
Cheverie looked back on his poor season in Europe.
I didn’t like the way my season played out in Norway last year, I feel as though I have a lot to prove this year and I am looking forward to winning some trophy’s this season and I believe we have the team to do it,” Cheverie said.
Deniset joins from Schwenningen ERC, also from the German Bundesliga where he finished in the top 10 of league scoring. Before moving to Europe, Deniset spent numerous years in the WHL and also played with the University of Manitoba for four seasons.
“Getting one of the top players from the German Bundesliga is a major coup for the Giants, Paul is very fast and very skilled and excels on the big European ice. He is a proven leader having worn a letter three out of four seasons while starring for the University of Manitoba,” Thornton said “He battles extremely hard on the ice and has game breaking skill.
“He was one of the top players in Canada during his last few collegiate years and managed to land himself a job in Germany as a result. I think Paul is going to be one of those players that will make his linemates better.”
Paul Deniset, along with recent signing Andrew Martin will be the inaugural Giants to attend University locally and earn their Master’s Degrees as part of a recent partnership with University of Ulster at Jordanstown. The Giants now only have two roster spots to fill.
“Getting one of the top players from the German Bundesliga is a major coup for the Giants, Paul is very fast and very skilled and excels on the big European ice. He is a proven leader having worn a letter three out of four seasons while starring for the University of Manitoba,” Thornton said “He battles extremely hard on the ice and has game breaking skill.
“He was one of the top players in Canada during his last few collegiate years and managed to land himself a job in Germany as a result. I think Paul is going to be one of those players that will make his linemates better.”
Paul Deniset, along with recent signing Andrew Martin will be the inaugural Giants to attend University locally and earn their Master’s Degrees as part of a recent partnership with University of Ulster at Jordanstown. The Giants now only have two roster spots to fill.
Contact the author at Aaron.stewart@prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.