Belfast Giants make popular announcement on Adam Keefe and coaching team

The Giants excelled in 2022/23, claiming an historic Grand Slam

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The Belfast Giants have announced new deals for treble-winning coaches Adam Keefe, Rob Stewart, and George Awada.

The Giants excelled in 2022/23, claiming an historic Grand Slam including the Elite League Play-Offs after clinching the Elite League and Challenge Cup.

Head coach Keefe and assistants Stewart and Awada have been described as the 'heartbeat' of the Giants, and now they are preparing to return for another campaign.

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It will be Keefe's seventh in charge of the SSE Arena side.

Steve Thornton, head of hockey operations at the Stena Line Belfast Giants, said: “We’re delighted that Adam will, once again, take charge of the team, assisted by Rob and George.

“The 2022/23 season was like no other, epitomised by winning the domestic treble for the first time in the club’s history. Determined to build on that success, we are confident that Adam, Rob, and George’s wealth of experience and knowledge – both on and off the ice, will steer the team towards another successful season.”

Over the past 13 years, as a player between 2011 and 2017 and head coach between 2017 and 2023, Keefe has played a critical role in the team’s successes – both on and off the ice.

He won his first Elite League title as a player in his debut season for the Giants in 2011/12, before going on to be crowned EIHL Erhardt Conference champion in 2012/13, and, again, Elite League champion in 2013/14 with the men in teal.

Commenting on re-signing for the 2023/24 season, Keefe said: “I’m really pleased to be returning for another season with the Belfast Giants, following what was a truly memorable 2022/23 campaign.

“Delivering the treble to the city of Belfast and for our incredible fanbase is one of my proudest Giants’ memories, and while summer provides an ideal opportunity to reflect and take stock, there’s no time to waste. We have our sights firmly fixed on building and developing a team that will help us to defend our titles throughout the coming season.”

Since swapping his stick for a suit, Keefe has led the Giants to eight pieces of silverware – four Challenge Cups, three Elite League titles, and one Elite League Playoff title.

Belfast Giants Season Tickets for the 2023/24 season are on sale now. Fixture dates for CHL (Champions Hockey League) and domestic EIHL home games will be announced in the coming weeks. Keep an eye on Belfast Giants’ website and social media channels for the latest news and signing announcements.

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