Recognised additions come in to bolster Adey’s new regime

Just prior to the Belfast Giants’ new era night in the Odyssey Complex ‘W5’ venue, the side announced a trio of impact players from the previous season’s campaign as goaltender Stephen Murphy, forward Colin Shields and defenseman Robby Sandrock, all put pen to paper for yet another year-long stay.

Murphy, 31, has been with the Giants since 2009 and his outstanding performances in backstopping Belfast to two championships have secured Murphy as a supporters’ favorite amongst the Giants’ fan base.

Murphy’s greatest hour as a Giant undoubtedly came when he won his first Elite League Championship in 2012 and carried his form forward into the 2012/13 season, posting a .914 save percentage finishing the season on a high with an amazing display in the Playoff Final.

Colin Shields is currently in his third spell as a Giant following his mid-season return to Belfast in 2012. In his seasons with the Giants, Colin has won four championships with the team including captaining his squad to the Playoff Championship in 2010. A regular for the Great Britain national team, Colin is the leading scorer in franchise history.

Robby Sandrock, who returned for his second term in Belfast in 2012 following a ten year gap, will ice in the 2013/14 Season for his third season overall as a Giant. Last season Robby was selected in the Elite League’s Second All Star team following 16 goals and 27 assists in 47 games played for the Giants. His rocket of a shot makes him one of the most dangerous defensemen on the powerplay in the league.

“We have the nucleus of our team back for next season” explained GM Todd Kelman. “Talking with Paul Adey after we had made the decision on what players we wanted to return for this season Paul was in total agreement asking especially about Colin Shields.

(Image: Michael Cooper)