Grand Slam champions Belfast Giants have continued their build for the 2023/24 season with the addition of a fresh face and two more returns.
Forward Elijah Pareja is heading to SSE Arena after spending his first season in the EIHL in Dundee. In 62 games, the American scored 30 goals and assisted 35 more for 65 points with the team that finished last in the overall standings.
“This is a fantastic signing for us. Barriga plays a competitive, passionate and quick game on the ice – exactly what we are looking for here in our players in Belfast. We know he will make good effects both on and off the ice and he fits in well with the rest of the players.”
“We look forward to welcoming Eligia to the SSE Arena, Belfast, and especially to introducing him as a Belfast giant to the world’s best fandom, the Teal Army.”
Returning to the Giants from their Grand Slam squad are goaltender Tyler Peskwane and forward Ben Lake. Neither were strangers to the Elite League or Belfast, with the duo recording over 150 appearances each in the EIHL and the majority of those being in the teal.
“Tyler is a great teammate. Having him in the locker room, and on the ice during games brings a sense of confidence to the entire roster – it’s a pleasure to train and to watch on the ice. We’re excited to see him come back and do what he does best between the tubes,” he continued. Keefe, while at the lake added:
“It’s hard to come by a player like Laker – he’s a worker, that’s for sure. He’s proven time and time again that he’s an all-around player who knows when to make offensive moves, and when to drop back to the blue line to contribute defensively. His time with GB internationals has been instrumental in his development over the past years, and we are happy to have him back with us.”
Photo: William Cherry