Patrick Guay
Forward • Västerås IK (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Joins Belfast alongside brother Nicolas after recording 21 points in 45 games in Sweden's second tier. He brings pace, creativity and should strengthen an already dangerous forward group.
2026/27 Season Preview
Belfast Giants
Champions strengthened for another title challenge
DT Rating
★★★★☆
Predicted Finish
1st
Quick Facts
Head Coach
Adam Keefe
Captain
David Goodwin
Arena
The SSE Arena, Belfast
2025/26 Finish
1st
Power Play
28.10%
Penalty Kill
77.97%
DT Ratings
Our editorial assessment of each team's fantasy potential heading into the new EIHL season.
Attack
★★★★★
5.0Defence
★★★★★
4.0Goaltending
★★★★★
4.0Depth
★★★★★
4.5DT Value
★★★★★
5.0Club Overview
The returning core
Belfast head into 2026/27 as defending league champions, with the majority of that title-winning group back under Adam Keefe. Nicolas Guay returns after a sensational debut 64 points and the Coaches' Player of the Year award alongside reigning EIHL Defenceman of the Year Mike Lee, who'll again anchor the blue line.
The forward group stays deep: Jordan Kawaguchi, Jake Gaudet, Scott Conway, David Goodwin and J.J. Piccinich all return, with Ciaran Long joined by former Sheffield Steeler Cole Shudra. Between the pipes, Jackson Whistle, Jake Kupsky and Andrew Dickson give Belfast arguably the league's strongest goaltending group — the foundation everything else is built on.
Summer reinforcements
Rather than standing still, Belfast added further quality up front — Patrick Guay joins his brother from Sweden, while Peter Bates, Logan Cockerill and Kaleb Pearson bring competition to an already talented group. On the blue line, Jaeden Martin, Christian Berger and Ty Prefontaine add further depth.
Departures & outlook
Karl Boudrias has joined Guildford, while Bo Hanson, Gabe Bast and long-serving forward Ben Lake have all retired. Even so, Belfast look to have recruited well enough to offset those losses — with experience, continuity and depth throughout the lineup, the Giants remain among the teams to beat.
Summer Arrivals
Jaeden Martin
Defence • Odense Bulldogs / Frederikshavn White Hawks (Danish Metal Ligaen)
An experienced two-way defenceman who produced consistently across four seasons in Denmark. Martin should add stability while also contributing offensively from the blue line.
Christian Berger
Defence • Indy Fuel (ECHL)
The former Penn State captain arrives with an excellent reputation as a mobile defenceman capable of playing in all situations.
Peter Bates
Forward • Wichita Thunder (ECHL)
Bates arrives after producing 236 points across 269 ECHL appearances and has the pedigree to become an important contributor in Belfast's top six.
Logan Cockerill
Forward • Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL)
A former Boston University captain, Cockerill combines speed with offensive instincts and could quickly become one of Belfast's most exciting new additions.
Kaleb Pearson
Forward • Idaho Steelheads (ECHL)
Pearson provides further forward depth and increases the competition for places throughout Belfast's lineup.
Ty Prefontaine
Defence • Allen Americans (ECHL)
Prefontaine strengthens the defensive unit and gives Adam Keefe another reliable option on the blue line.
Summer Departures
Karl Boudrias
Defence • Guildford Flames
Boudrias was a dependable presence throughout Belfast's championship-winning campaign. His departure removes experience from the blue line, although the Giants appear to have recruited well enough to soften that loss.
Bo Hanson
Defence • Retired
Hanson brings his playing career to a close after helping Belfast secure another Elite League title, ending a successful spell with the Giants.
Gabe Bast
Defence • Retired
A respected figure in the dressing room, Bast's retirement leaves behind valuable experience and leadership that Belfast will look to replace internally.
Ben Lake
Forward • Retired
One of the club's longest-serving players, Lake's retirement marks the end of an excellent career in Belfast where his work ethic, versatility and leadership made him a fan favourite.
Projected Line-up
Belfast possess one of the deepest rosters in the Elite League, with genuine competition throughout the lineup. While combinations are likely to evolve during pre-season, the projected lines below reflect how the squad could shape up heading into opening weekend.
First Line: Peter Bates, Patrick Guay and Nicolas Guay
Second Line: David Goodwin, Scott Conway and J.J. Piccinich
Third Line: Logan Cockerill, Jordan Kawaguchi and Kaleb Pearson
Fourth Line: Cole Shudra, Jake Gaudet and Ciaran Long
First Pairing: Mike Lee & Jaeden Martin
Second Pairing: Ty Prefontaine & Josh Roach
Third Pairing: Christian Berger & TBC
Netminders:Jake Kupsky, Jackson Whistle and Andrew Dickson
Players To Watch
DT Star
Mike Lee
Few players enter the new season with higher expectations. The Defenceman of the Year last season, the high offense plays from Mike make him a Dream Team star.
Sleeper Pick
Patrick Guay
Joining his brother in Belfast naturally brings attention, but Patrick has every opportunity to establish himself in his own right. His experience in Sweden suggests there is plenty of untapped fantasy value if he adapts quickly to the Elite League.
Breakout Candidate
Logan Cockerill
Cockerill arrives with an impressive ECHL scoring record and the skillset to make an immediate impact. If he secures a consistent top-six role, he has the potential to become one of the league's standout newcomers.
Top Defenceman
Jaeden Martin
Martin's offensive production in Denmark, combined with his experience, makes him an intriguing fantasy option. Expect him to play important minutes and contribute at both ends of the ice.
Starting Netminder
Jake Kupsky
Playing behind one of the Elite League's strongest defensive teams should once again give Kupsky every opportunity to post victories and strong fantasy returns throughout the season.
Fantasy Outlook
DT Verdict
Belfast once again look equipped to challenge for every major honour. A championship-winning core remains intact, the summer additions strengthen an already deep roster, and there is no shortage of premium fantasy options throughout the lineup. Expect the Giants to be heavily represented in fantasy squads from opening night.
Season Prediction
Season Prediction
1st–2nd
Best Case
Retain the Elite League title and compete for every trophy.
Worst Case
A top-three finish before falling short in the playoff race.
Confidence
High
Belfast enter the new campaign with one of the league's deepest and most balanced rosters. Continuity, proven leadership and another strong summer of recruitment make the Giants genuine favourites to challenge for silverware once again.
Editors Note
This preview reflects confirmed signings and departures at the time of publication. Projected line combinations will be updated during pre-season as Belfast's roster and deployment become clearer.