Former coach's son Jackson Whistle joins Belfast Giants

Netminder Jackson Whistle's father is former Belfast Giants and Cardiff Devils coach Dave Whistle

The Belfast Giants have signed the son of their first ever coach as back-up netminder to number one Stephen Murphy.

Jackson Whistle is moving to the Giants from the Kelowna Rockets who play in the Western Hockey League in Canada.

The 21-year-old's father is Dave Whistle who led the Giants to league and play-off titles during his period in charge from 2000 to 2003.

First choice goaltender Murphy, from Dundee, has signed on for an eighth season with the Giants.

The 34-year-old has won the British Netminder of the Year award eight times.

Steve Thornton, Head of Operations at the Giants, said: "The decision to sign Stephen Murphy is one of the easiest for me to make each year.

"He has been the backbone of our organisation since I signed him back in 2009."