Belfast Giants appoint Derrick Walser as player-coach

The Belfast Giants announce former NHL defenceman Derrick Walser as their new coach for the 2015-16 Elite League season.

The 37-year-old from Nova Scotia in Canada joins the Northern Ireland club from Swiss side Rapperswil-Jona Lakers.

Former coach Steve Thornton gave up the coaching role to focus on his job as Belfast's Head of Hockey Operations.