The Belfast Giants have confirmed the dramatic return of netminder Tyler Beskorowany, who announced his retirement at the end of last season.
The Canadian won the Elite League’s Goaltender of the Year Award in 2021-22 after he led the competition in shutouts (six), wins (31), and goals-against average (1.71).
Beskorowany, a two-time champion of the Elite League with Belfast, has a wealth of experience at the professional level, with stops in the American Hockey League, Slovak Extraliga, and DEL.
“I’ve had some time to recharge the batteries, reflect, and spend time with my wife, Sarah, and my son, Austen, back home in Canada,” explained the 32-year-old.
“I’ve stayed connected with Steve [Thornton] and Adam [Keefe’ since I left, and when the opportunity arose for me to return to my second home, Belfast – and play again, I couldn’t turn it down.
“I’m looking forward to getting back between the pipes and getting to work, catching up with my teammates from last season, meeting the new guys, and playing in front of the Teal Army once again, there’s no better fan base, and no better feeling.”
The Giants return to the ice on Wednesday [4 January] in the Challenge Cup versus the Nottingham Panthers.
Analysis: Will Tyler Beskorowany’s return bounce the Belfast Giants into the title race?
Tyler Beskorowany is a top-quality netminder, who will help the Belfast Giants in their bid to catch and overtake the Sheffield Steelers and Guildford Flames at the top of the table.
The 32-year-old was electric between the pipes last season, is a former draft pick of the Dallas Stars, and has twice been crowned netminder of the year in a professional league.
“This is extremely exciting news for us as an organisation, and for our fans too,” explained head coach Adam Keefe, who first recruited Beskorowany in 2018.
Tyler Beskorowany, Belfast Giants (Image: William Cherry)
“Tyler’s return to the Giants will impact more than just what happens on the ice – his presence within the locker room, the community, and among the Teal Army as ‘Besko’ will be amazing to have here again. I know he’ll arrive in Belfast, ready to put in the work and pick up where he left off last season.”
Beskorowany’s return also serious questions about the future of another import netminder – 26-year-old Peyton Jones.
The American goaltender has struggled in Belfast and has lost the starting position to Jackson Whistle, who is now the top contender for the starting role on Team Great Britain.
Ultimately, Keefe and the Giants have made a bold statement with the return of Beskorowany. His retirement U-Turn is a major coup for Belfast and will cause shockwaves in the title race.
