Coors Belfast Giants Coach Ed Courtenay today confirmed the names of the final two imports. Canadian born defence man, J.P. Morin, a newcomer to the Elite League, will be joining the team for the forthcoming season alongside the hard-working Shawn Skiehar who is returning for a second stint with the team.
Jean Philippe Morin has spent the last three seasons playing for Flint Generals in the United Hockey League but before that he spent a season playing alongside returning hard man Shawn Skiehar at East Coast Hockey League team Louisiana Ice Gators. Morin, who was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1998 (Rd4, #109 overall), could be the player to fulfil the role of hard-hitting checking D-man, a role recently performed by the now-retired Jason Bowen.
Giants fans will also be pleased with the return of Shawn Skiehar. The gritty forward marked an impressive first season in Belfast not only with a number of victorious fights but also with some very important goalscoring and assists.
It is expected that Giants coach Ed Courtenay will announce the remaining roster spots in the next week.
| 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 |