Kingdom Of The Giants :: Belfast Giants Fan Community, News & Views
LeBlanc Departs, Clarke Arrives
18-Oct-2011 | Discuss this ArticleThe Belfast Giants have today announced the immediate departure of Derek LeBlanc. Having amounted 13 points in his 12 games in Giants colours, LeBlanc asked to be released from his contract and has returned immediately to Canada for personal reasons
Doug Christiansen has moved swiftly to replace the centre by picking up ECHL All-Star, Aaron Clarke. Speaking with the Official Giants Website, Christiansen said;
Clarke is a hard-nosed skill player who can play in any situation. He is a very fast player who can score. Last season, Clarke showed his toughness by playing with a broken foot for the entire play-offs. He is a confident competitor.
Clarke is due to make his debut against the Nottingham Panthers in the NIC on 29th October. Yet to play a game this season Clarke will spend most of the time before them approaching match fitness
“I am very pleased and excited about having the opportunity to play in Belfast; where winning is a tradition and a championship is expected. I look forward to contributing and being part of a winning team." Clarke told the Official Website. He will wear the Number 8 this season, the first to do so since Tim Cook
George Awada is expected to stay in the Giants team for this coming weekend covering the temporary shortfall caused by LeBlanc's departure, with Brock McBride returning to the side also after not playing in last weekends win over the Cardiff Devils
Patrick Smyth
Live Scores
Last Game
- Sat 18 Feb
- vs Flyers, W 7-1
- Giants Goals: Pelle, Kuiper, Dowd, Peacock, Clarke, Rebek, Hoffman
- Flyers Goals: Gunn
League Standings
| P | TEAM | GP | W(OT) | L(OT) | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giants | 35 | 28(0) | 4(3) | 59 |
| 2 | Panthers | 35 | 25(0) | 8(2) | 52 |
| 3 | Steelers | 29 | 25(0) | 4(0) | 50 |
| 4 | Blaze | 34 | 22(0) | 12(0) | 44 |
| 5 | Devils | 33 | 18(0) | 8(7) | 43 |
| 6 | Clan | 32 | 19(0) | 12(1) | 39 |
| 7 | Capitals | 34 | 11(0) | 20(3) | 25 |
| 8 | Stingrays | 35 | 9(0) | 22(4) | 22 |
| 9 | Stars | 34 | 5(0) | 25(4) | 14 |
| 10 | Flyers | 31 | 4(0) | 23(4) | 12 |
Giants' Stat Leaders
| Points | Craig Peacock | 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Robert Dowd | 24 |
| Assists | Craig Peacock | 33 |
| PIM | Adam Keefe | 188 |