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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)
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