Team Great Britain forward Lewis Hook has inked a one-year contract with the Belfast Giants to return to the Elite League.
The 26-year-old reunites with the Giants after a brief stint in the Alps Hockey League with Kitzbüheler EC, for whom he notched 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 16 appearances.
Before his move to Austria, the Peterborough-born forward was a familiar face around the Elite League from his time with the Giants, Milton Keynes Lightning, and Coventry Blaze. He also featured for the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite Series.
Hook, a two-time league and cup champion, is also an established member of Pete Russell’s national squad and is expected to play a key role as Team GB aim for promotion in the 2023 IIHF World Championship.
“We’re excited for Hooky to return to Belfast,” explained head coach Adam Keefe. “He has played a big part in our trophy success during his time with the Giants and has become a fan favourite with his style of play on the ice. He knows what it takes to win on the ice [and] we know the Teal Army will be happy with this news.”
Analysis: Lewis Hook secures Elite League return with the Belfast Giants
Hook’s time in the Alps Hockey League was not a failure.
He returns from Austria after one of the most productive periods of his career, which saw him ranked second on his team in points.
“Belfast has been a huge part of my life and career since I joined the Giants in 2018,” Hook explained. “My time in Austria this season has been great, but I’m very happy to be returning to the ice with the boys at SSE Arena. It’s a privilege to back.”
Lewis Hook, Belfast Giants (Image: William Cherry)
In other words, he returns to the Elite League with every intention of being an impactful player in a tight title race. He is exactly what the Giants and Keefe need.
Hook will have an opportunity to build on his 95 points (35 goals, 60 assists) in 218 Elite League appearances in his second debut for the Giants versus the Guildford Flames on Saturday [26 November].
