Cheverie returns to Belfast and the Odyssey

Stena Line Belfast Giants head coach Paul Adey has drafted in a new bold signing in the shape of Canadian Evan Cheverie.

Adey hopes to bring some much-needed scoring prowess to the Giants’ forward line with this contract. Cheverie’s return for the 2013/14 Elite League Season, to Belfast’s very own ice hockey outfit is hailed as a welcome goal scorer.

Playing a vital part in both the 2008/9 and 2009/10 Giants’ campaigns where he helped secure the Challenge Cup, Knockout Cup and finally, the 2010 Playoff Championship where Cheverie kept his nerve by taking the winning penalty shot to secure victory.

The Giants’ new 2013/14 campaign under Adey will be Cheverie’s fourth season playing in the Elite League. Evan was the leading Coventry Blaze scorer with 52 points during the 2005/06 season, whilst his last season in Belfast was the Canadian’s most successful of his pro career, averaging well over a point per game in the Elite League, finishing with 35 goals and 55 assists, good for 90 points.

Since that famous game-winning goal in the Playoff Final in 2010, ‘Chevy’ has spent the past three seasons playing in Europe. Two in Norway with Lillehammer and last season in France with Morzine-Avoriaz, averaging over a point per game each season.

Paul Adey had this to say on Cheverie’s return: “This is a great signing for us. Evan is a great fit for this organization and having already played in Belfast before, I know he will be able to adjust quickly.

“He is a proven scorer and gives us some more size offensively. What I like most about Cheverie is that he scores goals in the big games and I know how important his offensive contribution will be to the team next season.”

Evan is currently enjoying the off-season at his home in Canada with his family but is looking forward to getting back to Belfast: “I am thrilled to be part of the Giants organisation yet again.

“I’m eager to get the season started and looking forward to winning yet more trophies with the Giants. I believe we will have the team to do it!”

Adey confirmed that more signings are certainly on the horizon looking to secure the final few players that will pull on the Giants jersey and step onto the Odyssey Arena ice on Saturday 7th September to open the 2013/14 Elite League season.

“The recruitment has gone very well so far, I am happy with the current group of players,” stated Adey. “I’m only a few players away from completing the roster but I’m still researching lots and being patient to make sure those final few signings are the correct fit for next season’s Belfast Giants.

“At the moment, forwards are my priority and I expect my next move to be to secure the signing of a key centre man.”

• On another front last season’s popular Giants defenseman, Will Colbert, has now signed with Belfast’s preseason opponents, Tilburg Trappers for the upcoming season.