The Belfast Giants have reconnected with offensive defenceman Josh Roach, who will skate with Adam Keefe’s side for the rest of the season.
In his previous spell with the club, Roach recorded 54 points (eight goals, 46 assists) in 60 regular-season appearances.
The Canadian’s impressive form under Keefe saw him named to the First All-Star Team in 2018-19 and earn a transfer to Austria with the Linz Black Wings, for whom he posted 57 points (eight goals, 49 assists) in 84 appearances, the following offseason.
“I have incredible memories playing under Keefe and with the Belfast Giants, from my time here in 2018-19,” Roach explained.
“It was my first time playing hockey abroad, and the city of Belfast and the teal army gave me the warmest welcome. I’m excited to re-join some old teammates from our championship season, ready to play in front of our passionate fans, and ready to get to work.”
Roach arrives in Belfast from the Sask Valley Hockey League, a provincial competition in Canada.
Before he entered the professional ranks, he recorded 111 points (36 goals, 75 assists) in 130 appearances in USports for the University of Saskatchewan.
“We’re excited to welcome Josh back,” Keefe added. “He’s a great guy on and off the ice and is a true team player who knows what it takes to win championships and to put the work in to get there.
“Josh is well-rounded and flexible as a hockey player – with the ability to play defence or as a forward. It will be great to have him back on the team.”
Josh Roach In, Chad Butcher Out: Adam Keefe reshuffles the pack in Belfast
After the Manchester Storm inflicted back-to-back defeats on his side, Adam Keefe revealed that the Belfast Giants were on the cusp of making a few mid-season transactions.
“I didn’t recognise this weekend’s team,” he told The Belfast Telegraph. “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.”
When asked if he would venture back into the market to add new players to his squad, Keefe added: “Any chance we get to improve the team, we will improve the team. Guys need to be accountable for their performances.”
Clearly, he meant every word.
On Monday [5 December], the Giants announced the departure of forward Chad Butcher – who recorded just three points (one goal, two assists) in 11 league appearances.
On Tuesday [6 December], offensive-defenceman Josh Roach inked a one-year contract to return to Belfast after several years away.
Josh Roach, Belfast Giants (Image: William Cherry)
Will the 30-year-old be able to turn the tides for the Giants? Maybe.
Roach is a talented, creative blueliner who has a track record of success in the Elite League. He also has an established relationship with Keefe, under whom he won the league and cup double five seasons ago.
However, the Saskatchewan-born defender has not played professionally for more than a year and comes with an imperfect injury record.
In other words, Roach is a risky acquisition for the Giants. But, with his team fifth in the table, Keefe is happy to roll the dice on a player he knows and trusts. Could this be the start of a turnaround for the Giants? We’ll soon find out.
