Donovan Neuls, a 25-year-old centre, has joined the Belfast Giants for the rest of the season.
The Canadian arrives in the Elite League from HC Presov, for whom he recorded four assists in 21 appearances as a rookie in the Slovak Extraliga.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Donovan to the team,” said Belfast head coach Adam Keefe. “He’s a reliable centreman, who can play on both sides of the puck. He should be a nice shot of energy into our line-up.”
Neuls, who inked his first professional contract earlier this year, spent three successful seasons with the University of Saskatchewan in USports, recording 48 points (15 goals, 33 assists) in 65 appearances.
The Grenfell-born forward also enjoyed a productive career at the junior level with the Western Hockey League’s Seattle Thunderbirds. Neuls served as an alternate captain in his final junior season, scoring 180 points (57 goals, 123 assists) in 283 games. He also contributed to the team’s Ed Chynoweth Cup victory in 2016-17.
Keefe added: “Donovan is another player coming out of the University of Saskatchewan, a school that has been very kind to us over the last few seasons. He’s also a former teammate of Sam Ruopp, who spoke very highly of him as a player, person and teammate.”
The Giants have made five transactions this month, with Neuls and Josh Roach replacing Colby McAuley, Chad Butcher, and the retired Kevin Raine at SSE Arena.
Anticipating his arrival in Belfast, Neuls said: “When I first heard that going to Belfast was a possibility – I was extremely excited. I know a few people who have played, and still play there – and have had nothing but great things to say about the organisation, the fans, and the city, too. I’ve never been to Ireland before, so I’m looking forward to arriving soon and seeing what it’s all about.”
Analysis: Former Thunderbird Donovan Neuls lands in Belfast
The Belfast Giants are in the middle of a mini, mid-season rebuild (and have been since the Manchester Storm inflicted back-to-back losses on them last month).
Speaking after the losses, head coach Adam Keefe said: “I didn’t recognise this weekend’s team. The back end did not get it done for us and it’s difficult to maintain a lead when that’s happening. That doesn’t solve the desire to win and desire to compete. I thought at times on the bench it just looked like a lifeless group that quit. That’s disappointing.”
In other words, Keefe felt like his Giants had quit. And he doesn’t tolerate quitting.
Donovan Neuls, formerly of the University of Saskatchewan (Image: Huskies Athletics)
In that context, the arrival of Neuls shouldn’t come as a surprise. He is a smart, two-way centreman who made his professional debut in a competitive league earlier this season. He also has an impressive record dating back to his junior days and comes with a solid character reference from Sam Ruopp, one of Keefe’s core players.
Will he set the Elite League on fire with his offensive talents? Time will tell, he hasn’t scored in 21 appearances this season.
Will he provide the Giants with another mid-season energy jolt? Almost definitely.
Neuls is a smart acquisition for Belfast.
