Belfast Giants sign American forward Steve Saviano on one-year contract

Steve Saviano played six seasons for Swedish clubs Djurgardens and Vaxjo Lakers

Belfast Giants have signed American Steve Saviano on a one-year deal.

Saviano, 34, joins the Giants from Austrian club Bolzano after spending six seasons with Swedish clubs Djurgardens and Vaxjo Lakers.

The Massachusetts native had four years of NCAA hockey with the University of New Hampshire.

"Steve is a guy who ticks all of the boxes. Steve Saviano will make his line mates better," said the Giants head of hockey operations Steve Thornton.

"Steve has played in a lot of good leagues in Europe and had a great college career. Regardless of where we put him, Steve will produce for us."

Saviano said that he was "excited" about the opportunity to sign for the Belfast outfit.

"I work really hard on the ice every night," said Saviano.

" I usually bring a lot of speed and try to be a good team-mate. I give it my all and that is all I can really do every night."

Captain Adam Keefe is among eight of last season's squad to agree new deals with the Giants.

Michael Forney, Jonathan Boxill, James Desmarais, Matt Nickerson, David Rutherford, Mark Garside and Brandon Benedict are staying at the SSE Arena.

Belfast finished fourth in the league standings last season.