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Itching for September

Itching for September by Seanna Murdock

So, I'm sure with the end of the 2009-10 season and the culmination of the Stanley Cup (well done Chicago!) most hockey fans are itching for September. There has been a massive amount of changes to the LBM Belfast Giants, which is an exciting prospect for a new Giants side for the 2010-11 season. The departure of the long loved Shane Johnson was personally upsetting, a living legend, he was the heart and soul of the team, but it was the right time for him to retire and look after his young family. Playing for the Giants for nine seasons and setting up his home in Belfast he embodied the team spirit that makes the Giants so successful. Shane was always playing his socks off and it was always funny to see his eyebrows going up and down as he objectionably skated into the penalty box. His testimonial should be a match to remember. My lasting memory of Shane is at the Giants quiz listing all the characters and actors from the 'Facts of Life.'

Mark Morrison, the local boy who we all love also announced his retirement, the lack of ice time and the lack of confidence from the coaching staff are possible contributing factors in his decision. He always got the crowd pumped up, he always picked on guys that were twice his size and no matter the result he fight he always came out as the winner in the fans eyes. He may only be little but when he's injured or not iced there is a big character missing from the ice, now he's retired I think he'll be sorely missed from the new side.

Steve Thornton and George Awada are two big characters and difference makers that will definitely be missed from the 2010-2011 side. Awada had bad temper on the ice reflected in his penalty minutes, his highest coming in 06-07 with 132 minutes! George had a bad injury this season and he, I believe, wasn't back to full strength and one of the most popular captains in the team's history is sadly departing. Steve Thornton who has helped the Giants to win three titles in two seasons is also retiring from hockey to move back home to Canada. He worked hard and played hard ultimately injuring his hand and knee making it impossible for him to play. He'll be helping new coach Doug Christiansen put together a championship contending team before he leaves for good. However in an interview I did with him previously he warned he would be keeping an eye on his 'baby' his team!

The new arrival of Doug Christiansen and Mark Garside are exciting opportunities and the new 'expansion team that will be put together for the new season. Jon Gleed the new stay at home defenceman is proven statistically to be strong up front and has a lot to live up to with last year's stay at home D-man Tom Walsh being solid and a thorn in the opposition's side. The fact that we still have Colin Shields, Stephen Murphy, Tim Cook, Nathan Craze, Graeme Walton and Craig Peacock bodes well for the 2010-2011 title chases.

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