The Stena Line Belfast Giants are pleased to announce the signing of Canadian winger Ray Sawada to the 2014/15 team. Sawada, drafted by the Dallas Stars in Round 2 of the 2004 NHL Draft, iced for the Stars in three NHL seasons between 2008-2011.

The 6’2” forward has 354 games of experience in the AHL with the Dallas Stars affiliate, the Texas Stars as well as with the Manitoba Moose and the St. John’ IceCaps – posting 58 goals and 96 assists in total.

He played at Cornell University from 2004–2008, where he was co-captain as a senior and was a NCAA Champion in the 2004/05 season. Last season Sawada split his season between the Colorado Eagles of the ECHL and Tappara of Finland where Ray helped the team to a SM-liiga Silver Medal.

Steve Thornton, Head of Hockey Operations, has this to say on the signing of Ray Sawada,

“Ray is going to bring a quite a few very important elements to our team this season. He hits like a truck, has a great shot, can play big minutes on a top line and will be an impact player in this league. He is a team player, and that message was consistent when speaking to former coaches and players that he has played with. He will do whatever it takes to win and he will make us a tougher team to play against.”

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 from 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.