The Stena Line Belfast Giants are pleased to announce the signing of Jim Vandermeer, a 6’1” Defenceman with nine seasons of NHL experience. The Canadian has played 482 NHL games in total for the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, Phoenix Coyotes, Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks.

Vandermeer will make his home debut at the Olympic Series, when the Giants face SG Cortina of Italy on Friday 12th and Saturday 13th February at The SSE Arena.

The 35 year old, who is a relative of David Rutherford, has spent the previous two seasons in the Swiss A League with the Kloten Flyers and played with Derrick Walser in Team Canada’s Spengler Cup team in 2013/14 and 2014/15.

Vandermeer will become the 168th Giants player and will be the eighth Giant to wear the #9 jersey.

Steve Thornton, Giants Hockey Operations Manager:

“I am excited to bring Jim Vandermeer to Belfast as I know our fans are going to love him as well as his style of play. Jim will add size to our blueline and he will bring a lot of NHL experience to our locker room.“

Olympic Series tickets are on sale now with a discounted Weekend Pass available for Season Ticket Holders as well as general public and can be purchased at The SSE Arena Box Office in person, by calling (028) – no longer available – online with Ticketmaster.