Smotherman returns for Giants title defence

Elite League champions Belfast Giants have confirmed the return of Jordan Smotherman.

Smotherman, 33, signed from Iserlohn Roosters of Germany’s DEL, and scored the overtime winner in the Challenge Cup final win over Guildford Flames in his first season.

An NHL draft pick in 2005, he played in the NHL for Atlanta Thrashers and also played 373 games in the AHL.

Giants coach Adam Keefe said: “Jordan is a player we had been tracking for a while and it was great to have him hit the ground running in 2018/19 to contribute to the Elite League and Challenge Cup success.”

“He is big forward who will bring offence and work ethic to our 2019/20 team. I know our fans loved hearing about the lengths Jordan went to in order to be in Belfast for his debut and I know they will love watching him in teal again this season.”

Smotherman has also represented Sweden, as well as playing in Denmark and the ECHL.