Belfast Giants have announced the return of Jim Vandermeer for the 2016/17 Elite League season.

The rugged ‘D’ man joined the Giants in February 2016 and went on to score two goals with 11 assists in 15 games.

The Canadian previously played 482 NHL games for the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, Phoenix Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks.

Before arriving in Northern Ireland last season, Vandermeer spent the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons in Switzerland with the Kloten Flyers and also played with current Giants Head Coach Derrick Walser for Team Canada’s Spengler Cup team.

VAndermeer said: “It’s exciting to be back in Belfast – I really enjoyed my time there last season.

“I want to make the biggest impact that I can, have a really good season, play my game and help the team do better than we did last season.

“There is always a time and a place to get rowdy and drop the gloves and part of my game is playing physical and steady defence.”

(Image permission: Andy Gibson)