Belfast bag trio of forwards

Belfast Giants have boosted their forward ranks with a trio of signings ahead of the 2017/18 Elite League season.

Darcy Murphy, Jonathan Ferland (above) and Sebastien Sylvestre have all been added to the Giants’ roster as new boss Adam Keefe looks to build a squad capable of challenging for the title.

Murphy joins the Giants after a season split with the ECHL’s Tulsa Oilers and Manitoba Moose of the AHL, while Ferland arrives in Belfast from the Vienna Capitals where he captained the Austrian Hockey League side to the national championship in 2016/17.

Sylvestre heads to the EIHL after an impressive campaign in the ECHL with Elmira Jackals.

Keefe said: “I’m very excited to add a young player of Darcy’s calibre who will bring us youth, energy and a strong compete level.

“With 18 goals and a strong work ethic last season in the ECHL he earned himself a call up to the AHL.

“We think he is a player that will continue to put up even bigger numbers in his second year as a professional here in Belfast.

“In Jonathan Ferland the Giants are bringing in veteran leadership with him having been a captain everywhere that he has played. He is a winner that will do whatever it takes to bring a trophy back to Belfast.

“Jonathan is a power forward that will bring size and energy to our line-up who is gifted offensively as well. That is tough to find these days in a player. I am very happy he will be joining us in August.

“Sebastien is really excited to get across the Atlantic and get started here in Belfast. He is another young, energetic and exciting player to watch with a high end talent.

“I know our fans will love him as Sebastien isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty and drive the net to get the ugly goals as well. I am very happy to add Sly to our Giants family.”