The Belfast Giants have announced the signing of Matt Pelech for the new season.
The Canadian arrives from Villacher of the EBEL and will make his debut in next month’s pre-season games against Mora and Herning in preparation for the Champions Hockey League campaign.
Pelech played in the NHL with both the Calgary Flames and the San Jose Sharks.
The 6’4” 230lb defenceman was selected in the first round, 26th overall, of the 2005 NHL Draft and made five appearances for the Flames as well as eight for the Sharks.
Pelech brings a wealth of experience to the Belfast blueline following multiple seasons spent in the AHL, DEL and EBEL.
The Toronto native posted 425 AHL games with Quad City, Abbotsford, Worcester and Rochester.
He split the previous four years in Europe with the DEL’s Schwenniger and Ingolstadt as well as with Austria’s Graz and Villacher.
Head Coach Adam Keefe said: “Matt is a natural leader who is excited to be a part of the defence of the Elite League and Challenge Cup championships.
"He will bring quality and toughness to our blueline as well as experience to the locker room. Giants fans are going to love watching Matt in action.”
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