Kingdom Of The Giants :: Belfast Giants Fan Community, News & Views
Mini Happy Returns
16-Aug-2006The Coors Belfast Giants confirmed yesterday that Mike Minard would be returning for a second season as number 1 goaltender.
The native of Owen Sound, Canada starred for the Coors Giants last year as they won their second league title. A save percentage of 93% over the year testament to his fine play between the pipes. Mike brought real pedigree into his tenure as a Giant having spent several seasons with St John's Maple Leafs in the AHL and the previous season in the ECHL with Columbia Inferno - posting high save percentages along the way.
Last season he proved not only his worth as a goalie with some superb stopping and puck handling but also another role...a part time enforcer! Whilst not exactly dropping the gloves, Mini had a couple of memorable run ins with various members of the Newcastle Vipers - memorably introducing former Odyssey favourite Paul "Rocco" Ferone to his blocker both at the O and in the Playoff Semi-Final in Nottingham.Fans will hope Mike is back on stellar form this year and brings more success to the Club.
It was also reported on www.belfastgiants.com that Mike's back-up is likely to be local keeper, Kevin Kelly. Kevin is an Irish International and will succeed the talented Nathan Craze who has joined the EPL side Bracknell Bees for next year.
Kevin will be involved with the Irish team in the World Division 3 Championships to be staged in Ireland next year - and completing a year under the guidance of a player of Minard's pedigree can only bode well for Ireland and the Giants.
Live Scores
Next Game
Next SeasonLast Game
- Sat 07 Apr
- vs Devils, OTL 4-3
- Giants Goals: Rebek, Clarke, Hoffman
- Devils Goals: Matzka, Dobben, Piggot
League Standings
| 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 |
Giants' Stat Leaders
| Points | Robert Dowd | 78 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Robert Dowd | 40 |
| Assists | Craig Peacock | 49 |
| PIM | Adam Keefe | 247 |