The Stena Line Belfast Giants are pleased to announce the signing of Mike Kompon on a one year deal that sees the Canadian becomes the latest recruit to the Elite League Champions forward line for their 15th Season.

Kompon, from Thunder Bay, Ontario began his career at Miami University and was named in the NCAA Second All-Star team in 2002/03 as well as being awarded the NCAA ‘Athlete of the Year’ Award the following season. Mike then moved on to the UHL and ECHL with Quad City and the Reading Royals respectively – where he played with current Giant Kevin Saurette.

The 32 year old played seven consecutive seasons in Germany with EHC Munchen, including three in the DEL, where he posted 115 goals and 237 assists – good for 352 points for the Bavarian based side and helped the organisation clinch the 2. Bundesliga Championship in 2009/10. Indeed, Kompon will come up against EHC Munchen’s rivals, Bremerhaven, when the Giants visit Germany for the Continental Cup in October.

Last season the forward, who will wear the #17 jersey for the Stena Line Belfast Giants played for the Oji Eagles in the Asia League, firing 23 goals and adding 38 assists – finishing second in Oji’s scoring charts.

Steve Thornton, Head of Hockey operations, “I think he’ll be a fans favourite with his work ethic. He’s a ‘first-liner’ who will most likely centre our top line. Mike is the first guy I spoke to this Summer, he’s going to make players around him better.”

“He will be a guy that we can rely on in important offensive situations and who will have contagious work ethic. Mike is also a great character and has won before – he is exactly what we are looking for.”

Season 15 of the Stena Line Belfast Giants begins on Saturday 30th August against the Cardiff Devils in a pre-season challenge at the Odyssey Arena, face-off 7pm. Tickets are available online fron Ticketmaster and from the Odyssey Arena Box Office in person or by calling (028) – no longer available -. This match is in addition to the Giants Season Ticket package and Holders can purchase their own seat until Tuesday 26th August from the Arena Box Office.