Belfast Giants have officially inducted five key individuals from the club’s history into their brand-new Hall of Fame.
The quintet were officially recognised during a ceremony ahead of Wednesday night’s 7-1 victory over Dundee Stars.
Earlier this month, the club announced the launch of their Hall of Fame, as a way of honouring “key individuals who have made a giant impact on the club, both on and off the ice, since its formation in 2000”.
The club say the Hall of Fame ceremony will take place once a year, ahead of a selected home game in December.
The Giants also recently unveiled limited edition jerseys, a testimonial for club legend and current head coach Adam Keefe, and a commemorative sculpture outside their SSE Arena home, as part of celebrations to mark the club’s 25th anniversary.
Who are the inductees?
Among the first group of inductees were Bob Zeller and Albert Maasland, former co-founders and owners of the club.
The club have highlighted Zeller’s “strategic vision and commitment to the club’s growth”, while Maasland’s “passion for sport and business acumen” has also been recognised.
The Giants’ first head coach, David Whistle, has also been honoured.
He led the team between 2000-02, during which time they clinched their first Superleague Championship.
The final two to be included in Belfast’s first batch of inductees are former defenceman Jason Bowen and forward Mark Morrison.
Bowen joined the club during their debut season and went on to ice over 260 times for the club.
Appointed as one of the club’s alternate captains during their inaugural season, Bowen spent five seasons with the club, having previously made more than 70 appearances for the Philadelphia Flyers and Edmonton Oilers in the NHL earlier in his career.
One-club man Morrison spent seven seasons with the Giants, meanwhile, between 2003-10. During that time, he made just short of 400 appearances for his hometown team.
He also represented the Ireland national ice hockey team, helping them to win silver in the IIHF World Championships Division III and subsequently gain promotion to Division II.
“It’s an honour to be recognised”
Discussing his induction into the brand-new Giants Hall of Fame, former Giants head coach Whistle said: “It’s an honour to be recognised in this way, and to be part of the first-ever Belfast Giants Hall of Fame class.
“The Giants organisation means a lot to me, and my family, with my start out as the team’s first-ever head coach and, of course, my son Jackson’s professional ice hockey journey as a netminder with the team as well.
“I’ve made some amazing memories thanks to this club – both personally and professionally – and I’d like to thank everyone involved in granting me with this opportunity.
“It’s special to be celebrated in this way alongside some truly deserved electees.”
Martin McDowell, chair of the Odyssey Trust said: “We’re proud to introduce the Belfast Giants Hall of Fame as we celebrate our 25th season.
“This initiative honours the achievements and dedication of those who have defined our club’s legacy throughout the years, and that legacy extends far beyond what happens on the ice.
“Our first five inductees represent the spirit, resilience, and commitment that have shaped the Giants.
“Their contributions, both on and off the ice, have earned them this well-deserved recognition, and it’s a privilege to officially commemorate their impact in this way.”
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