The club’s first head coach, two former star players and the two founders will form the first inducted group into the Belfast Giants’ newly created Hall of Fame as part of their 25th season celebrations.
Dave Whistle, Jason Bowen, Mark Morrison, Albert Maasland and Bob Zeller will all be inducted into the Giants’ Hall of Fame ahead of their game against the Dundee Stars on December 11.
The quintet’s induction will form part of a new tradition for the club that will see individuals added to the Hall of Fame every year ahead of one home game in December.
“We’re proud to introduce the Belfast Giants Hall of Fame as we celebrate our 25th season. This initiative honours the achievements and dedication of those who have defined our club’s legacy throughout the years, and that legacy extends far beyond what happens on the ice,” said Martin McDowell, chair of the Odyssey Trust.
“Our first five inductees represent the spirit, resilience, and commitment that have shaped the Giants. Their contributions, both on and off the ice, have earned them this well-deserved recognition, and it’s a privilege to officially commemorate their impact in this way.”
Maasland and Zeller’s inductions come as no surprise given they were the ones who set the Giants up all the way back in 1997, while head coach Whistle – whose son Jackson now plays for the Giants as a goaltender – is an obvious inclusion, too, as he led the team in their inaugural season before winning their first ever Superleague title in 2002.
“It’s an honour to be recognised in this way and to be part of the first ever Belfast Giants Hall of Fame class,” commented Whistle.
“The Giants organisation means a lot to me, and my family, with my start out as the team’s first ever head coach and, of course, my son Jackson’s professional ice hockey journey as a netminder with the team as well.
“I’ve made some amazing memories thanks to this club – both personally and professionally – and I’d like to thank everyone involved in granting me with this opportunity, it’s special to be celebrated in this way alongside some truly deserved electees.”
On the playing side, local man Morrison would represent his hometown team for eight years and spend three of them as an alternate captain, winning an Elite League title, a Challenge Cup and a Play-Offs trophy, the ‘Mo Train’ finishing one game shy of reaching 400 appearances.
And it is also no shock to see Bowen inducted as while his tenure in Belfast lasted just five seasons – although it did result in two League titles – he has since made Belfast his home, becoming a chef at the Fatted Calf in Glenarm.
The creation of the Hall of Fame follows the unveiling of a puck statue outside the SSE Arena, as well as the announcement of a testimonial game for head coach and former captain Adam Keefe in June 2025.