The Belfast Giants have looked to the future and added more depth to their roster with the returns of two more young British stars in the form of Mason Alderson and Kell Beattie on two-way deals for the 2024/25 season.
Both players have agreed one-year extensions to the two-way deals they were on last season, which will more than likely see them play the majority of their hockey with the NIHL’s Solway Sharks to help their development with ice time.
It is another boost for the organisation after the announcement that Mack Stewart and Carter Hamill have been signed on two-way deals yesterday and furthers the Giants’ bid to enhance their local talent.
“We’re pleased to be continuing to support Kell and Mason’s development, alongside Solway Sharks,” said Giants head coach Adam Keefe.
“Both players had strong seasons with the Sharks last year, and I feel that another campaign on two-way agreements will be an ideal way for both to gain valuable experience and add to their skillsets.”
Alderson, 22, is back for his second season in teal after joining the team last summer after five years in America and is seen as one of the brightest prospects in British hockey after starring for the Great Britain Under-20s.
The London native did dress for seven games for Belfast last season – including two in the Champions League – but played most of the season with Solway, notching 12 goals and 21 points in 35 games, but will hope to get more of a shot in the Elite League this year.
“I’m incredibly pleased to be returning for a second season with the Belfast Giants. Once again, I’m eager to expand my role and elevate my game on the ice as opportunities arise,” commented Alderson.
“I look forward to being back in front of the amazing fans at The SSE Arena, Belfast, and hope to help bring some silverware back to Belfast in the process.”
Likewise Beattie, who is entering his fourth season on a two-way deal with the Giants and is only the second Northern Irish player signed to the SSE Arena roster thus far.
The 20-year-old defenceman from Belfast is also a Great Britain Under-20 international and has already made 28 appearances for the Giants since 2021 but, like Alderson, spent last season with Solway where he racked up two goals and 15 points in 46 games.
“I’m really happy to extend my two-way deal this season. It’s a great privilege to be part of such a great organisation again and my hometown team. I can’t wait to be back in action this season,” said Beattie.”
While both will more than likely start the season with the Sharks, they will get a chance to impress Keefe in the Giants’ training camp and pre-season games in mid-to-late August before heading to Scotland.
The hope is certainly that both would start putting their hands up for ice time as the season progresses, particularly in the case of Alderson after his impressive cameos last season but also for Beattie, who has rounded out into a strong blue-liner over the last few years.