A former Belfast Giants record appearance holder has opened up about the early days of the hockey team in the city and his time in Belfast as the team celebrates their 25th anniversary.
After seven years as a player, followed by another seven as General Manager, Todd Kelman was part of the team’s first squad in 2000-2001.
He eventually moved on to become the managing director for the Cardiff Devils.
Speaking to BBC NI’s Good Morning Ulster, Canadian native Kelman said his time in Belfast is one he looks back on fondly.
“Honestly something quite surreal to be apart of that first team,” he said.
“The one thing I remember was the fans. We felt like rock stars, everyone wanted to come to a game.”
It wasn’t just him, Kelman also said his teammates also quickly fell in love with Northern Ireland.
“There’s a lot of players I played with in Belfast that stayed, they call it home,” he added.
“It’s the place and the people, you get a lot of Canadians coming over to play and they [Belfast natives] are great people, some of the friendliest people you will meet.
“I’m not longer a Belfast Giant but I still see it as the most important ice hockey team in the world.
“I think the crowds we are stilling recently reflect the work the time has been doing over the years.”
Northern Ireland’s ice hockey team is celebrating their 25th anniversary in a number of ways, including unveiling a giant hockey puck outside the SSE Arena.
The celebrations will also include a testimonial for the organisation’s coach Adam Keefe on 8 June.
Steve Thornton, group head of hockey and commercial at The Odyssey Trust, said: “This testimonial is a well-deserved recognition of Adam’s extraordinary career and his unwavering commitment to the club and city.
“Adam embodies the heart and soul of the Belfast Giants, and this game will be a celebration of everything he has accomplished throughout his playing and coaching career.
“Adam’s influence on the Belfast Giants extends beyond wins and championships. His leadership, determination, and character have set the standard for what it means to be a Giant, and this testimonial is a fitting tribute to a man who has given so much to the team and community.”