It has been announced today that Jason Ruff will be returning to the Belfast Giants for the third time. Jason iced with the Giants in 2001/2002 winning the Superleague Championship, earning himself a contract in the DEL with Ingolstadt. After only managing 23 games due to a broken arm, Jason moved back to Belfast in 2003/2004 leading the Giants points scoring with a magnificent 88 points from 56 games.
Last season Ruff played in the United Hockey League with the Kansas City Outlaws, clocking up 80 points from 66 games. Although having already signed for the Austin Ice Bats this season, it’s believed that the prospects of playing alongside Theo Fleury and being offered the role of assistant coach have brought Jason back to Belfast.
Also announced over the weekend was the stand in player for Fleury, Matt Reid, who will ice with the Giants until October when Fleury arrives. Reid played alongside coach Courtenay last season in the East Coast Hockey League, scoring 64 points in 65 games.
With the local tryouts being held tonight, it’s hoped that the Giants will complete their roster in the next few days, in time for the first game of the season on 9th September against Newcastle Vipers.
| P | TEAM | GP | W(OT) | L(OT) | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giants | 54 | 46(0) | 5(3) | 95 |
| 2 | Steelers | 54 | 41(0) | 11(2) | 84 |
| 3 | Panthers | 54 | 38(0) | 12(4) | 80 |
| 4 | Devils | 54 | 32(0) | 12(10) | 74 |
| 5 | Blaze | 54 | 32(0) | 20(2) | 66 |
| 6 | Clan | 54 | 31(0) | 19(4) | 66 |
| 7 | Stingrays | 54 | 16(0) | 34(4) | 36 |
| 8 | Stars | 54 | 13(0) | 35(6) | 32 |
| 9 | Capitals | 54 | 13(0) | 37(4) | 30 |
| 10 | Flyers | 54 | 8(0) | 40(6) | 22 |
| Points | Robert Dowd | 78 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Robert Dowd | 40 |
| Assists | Craig Peacock | 49 |
| PIM | Adam Keefe | 247 |