Menu
27/03/2019
Belfast Giants Legend Colin Shields Announces Retirement
Colin Shields, the all-time leading scorer for the Belfast Giants and the Elite League, has announced his plans to retire from professional hockey at the end of the season.
The news comes after the number 19 player surpassed David Clarke's record of 731 points in January. Shields also took the record of Team GB's all-time leading scorer during a win over the Netherlands in the 2017 World Championship.
Announcing the decision after 11 seasons with the Giants, the 39-year-old said: "From the moment I first put on a pair of skates and picked up a hockey stick all I wanted to do was play ice hockey. I loved the game, the training, the practices, everything about skating on that ice. However, at some point it has to come to an end and for me that time is now. After playing hockey for over 30 years, 15 as a full time professional, this upcoming weekend shall be my final regular season games as a hockey player, as a Belfast Giant."
The Scottish-born star paid tribute to the Belfast side and thanked his coaches, managers and fans. "It is no secret there is something special about being a Giant and I am proud to call Belfast my home," he continued.
"The fan support I have had my whole career has been truly outstanding, through the college, professional and GB national team ranks. The support and love over the highs and lows is something that I will never forget. Belfast Giants fans have made me one of their own and I will never forget the passion that you have for the game, your team and your city."
The emotional farewell also featured a tribute to Shield's teammates, family and wife Claire, before concluding: "Ice hockey, I gave you everything and you didn't let me down, for that I am forever grateful. Now let's enjoy these last few moments together."
(JG/CM)
The news comes after the number 19 player surpassed David Clarke's record of 731 points in January. Shields also took the record of Team GB's all-time leading scorer during a win over the Netherlands in the 2017 World Championship.
Announcing the decision after 11 seasons with the Giants, the 39-year-old said: "From the moment I first put on a pair of skates and picked up a hockey stick all I wanted to do was play ice hockey. I loved the game, the training, the practices, everything about skating on that ice. However, at some point it has to come to an end and for me that time is now. After playing hockey for over 30 years, 15 as a full time professional, this upcoming weekend shall be my final regular season games as a hockey player, as a Belfast Giant."
The Scottish-born star paid tribute to the Belfast side and thanked his coaches, managers and fans. "It is no secret there is something special about being a Giant and I am proud to call Belfast my home," he continued.
"The fan support I have had my whole career has been truly outstanding, through the college, professional and GB national team ranks. The support and love over the highs and lows is something that I will never forget. Belfast Giants fans have made me one of their own and I will never forget the passion that you have for the game, your team and your city."
The emotional farewell also featured a tribute to Shield's teammates, family and wife Claire, before concluding: "Ice hockey, I gave you everything and you didn't let me down, for that I am forever grateful. Now let's enjoy these last few moments together."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 January 2020
Belfast Giants To Pay Tribute To Stephen Clements
The Belfast Giants will pay tribute to their former game night host Stephen Clements at the opening of tonight's match against the Sheffield Steelers. The popular radio presenter passed away on Tuesday at the age of 47.
Belfast Giants To Pay Tribute To Stephen Clements
The Belfast Giants will pay tribute to their former game night host Stephen Clements at the opening of tonight's match against the Sheffield Steelers. The popular radio presenter passed away on Tuesday at the age of 47.
19 July 2010
Ice Hockey Giants For Belfast
A number of high profile international sporting events are to take place in Belfast over the coming months, thanks to the support of Belfast City Council. The events cover ice hockey, basketball, football, athletics and Gaelic sports, as well as feats of strength and endurance.
Ice Hockey Giants For Belfast
A number of high profile international sporting events are to take place in Belfast over the coming months, thanks to the support of Belfast City Council. The events cover ice hockey, basketball, football, athletics and Gaelic sports, as well as feats of strength and endurance.
21 October 2015
One Direction Concerts To Go Ahead
One Direction's concerts at the SSE Arena are to go ahead. The band has rescheduled its concert that was cancelled on Tuesday night to Friday, 23 October. Aiken Promotions issued a statement which reads: "Once again we apologise for the cancellation of last night’s One Direction show.
One Direction Concerts To Go Ahead
One Direction's concerts at the SSE Arena are to go ahead. The band has rescheduled its concert that was cancelled on Tuesday night to Friday, 23 October. Aiken Promotions issued a statement which reads: "Once again we apologise for the cancellation of last night’s One Direction show.
20 May 2016
Ice Hockey World Championships 2017 To Take Place In Belfast
The ice hockey world championships 2017 are to take place in Belfast. Ice Hockey UK, in conjunction with The SSE Arena, Belfast and the Belfast Giants, won the vote which took place at the IIHF Congress in Russia.
Ice Hockey World Championships 2017 To Take Place In Belfast
The ice hockey world championships 2017 are to take place in Belfast. Ice Hockey UK, in conjunction with The SSE Arena, Belfast and the Belfast Giants, won the vote which took place at the IIHF Congress in Russia.
17 February 2014
Belfast Giants Win Fourth Elite Title
Northern Ireland ice hockey team, Belfast Giants, have won the Elite league title for the fourth time. The Giants held Nottingham Panthers to a 3-1 victory on Sunday, marking the team's 11th straight victory in the league.
Belfast Giants Win Fourth Elite Title
Northern Ireland ice hockey team, Belfast Giants, have won the Elite league title for the fourth time. The Giants held Nottingham Panthers to a 3-1 victory on Sunday, marking the team's 11th straight victory in the league.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
