The Belfast Giants have announced the return of goalies Jackson Whistle and Andrew Dickson.
They join Tyler Beskorowany to make up the Giants’ netminding roster.
Whistle returns for his third season in Belfast, following a three-season break, having played one season in Sheffield and two in Nottingham.
The 26-year-old first joined the Giants in 2016 from the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League and was part of the 2018 Challenge Cup winning Belfast Giants squad.
Commenting on his return to Belfast, he said: “I feel great about coming back. I’m really excited. Obviously, we have the family history here; my parents, my mom and dad love it.
"For me, Belfast is a home away from home. I’m really excited to come back and play as hard as I can for the fans. We had success here when I was here; it was a lot of fun and I loved playing with the guys, going to the rink every day."
Ballymoney man Dickson returns to the club in what will be his 10th season.
Adored on and off the ice by players and fans alike, he has helped the Teal Army secure three League and two Challenge Cup titles.
Happy with his signing he said: “I’ve been here for a lot of big moments and of course, before that, I was going watching the games in the Arena. I’m a local player and there aren’t many of us, so I feel really privileged to be part of the organisation and be there for those moments and those championships.
"I’ve been with the Giants longer than I was in high school, longer than any job I’ve been in, longer than any relationship actually – it’s a big part of my life and I’m very proud to be staying on."
Following the news that stalwart Scottish netminder, Stephen Murphy is retiring, Giants Head Coach Adam Keefe said he is "excited" to welcome the pair back to Belfast.
"We are excited to welcome Jackson Whistle back to Belfast for his third season and to have Andrew Dickson back with the Giants for his tenth season, completing our roster of goalies," he said.
“The retirement of Stephen Murphy was always going to be a big change for the Giants; he has been the backbone of the club since 2009. In reconfiguring our roster, we have worked hard to recruit and retain the talent we need to backstop the Giants to victory again this season.”
