Belfast Giants: Brendan Connolly named as latest signing

Brendan Connolly is the latest player to be confirmed on the Belfast Giants roster

Forward Brendan Connolly has been confirmed as the latest player to join the Belfast Giants roster for the 2017-18 Elite League campaign.

The 31-year-old Canadian, whose father hails from Newry, County Down, joins the Giants from Rungstead in Denmark.

He helped his team claim the Danish Championship.

Connolly finished fifth in the league's points standings with 20 goals and 28 assists, good for 48 points in 42 games.

"In Brendan the Giants are getting a real exciting player to watch. He is a fierce competitor who will be a thorn in the side of everyone who he plays against.

"He is fast, highly skilled and can play wing or centre which will help us have some versatility throughout the line-up," said Giants head coach Adam Keefe.

Earlier in the week, Brandon Benedict boosted the Belfast Giants by signing a new contract for the 2017-18 season.

Brandon Benedict is in his second spell with the Belfast Giants

Benedict, 35, will be spending his fifth season in all at the Giants after rejoining the club for a second spell two years ago.

Coach Keefe has also appointed Benedict as an assistant coach.

"I am pleased Brandon is coming back to Belfast. He has been a central part of the organisation's success over the years," said Keefe.

"I know the fans will be excited to see Brandon back on the ice.

"His work ethic makes him a natural leader and I am delighted he will combine the assistant coach role with his playing duties."

Benedict first joined the Giants back in 2009 and helped the club to the 2010 Play-off title with a memorable performance in the grand final against the Cardiff Devils.

The centreman then helped Nottingham Panthers win seven trophies during during a four-year spell with the club before returning to the Giants.

Benedict has posted 49 goals and 115 assists in his Giants career.