Giants turning Japanese for GB

The Senior Men’s Great Britain Ice Hockey Team, including six members of the Belfast Giants, head to Japan for a pre-Olympic qualifying tournament that gets underway in just three days’ time.

Giants Head Coach Doug Christiansen is an assistant coach for the GB national team and has the luxury of working with four of his players (Stephen Murphy, David Phillips, Mark Garside & Craig Peacock) as well as Head Equipment Manager Jason Ellery.

“It is a tremendous honour to be on the coaching staff of the Great Britain National Team,” said Christiansen. “We are all excited to travel to Japan. I know all four Giants will play a crucial role on the team. Jason Ellery is an outstanding equipment manager and he will make sure the team is ready to play. After the success of the London Olympics, all of the players are thrilled to have their chance to get to Sochi in 2014.”

When asked about the possibility of representing Great Britain as an Olympian Giants forward Craig Peacock added: “Any time you get a chance to represent your country it’s always an honor but this is extra special with a shot at making the Olympics in 2014. The guys are all excited and we are really looking forward to this opportunity.”