Superleague champions Belfast Giants have started working on their roster for next season by re-signing four players.

Top scorer Kevin Riehl and defencemen Shane Johnson, Todd Kelman and Rob Stewart will hopefully returning to Belfast for the third year on the trot.

Giants' coach Dave Whistle has been biding his time in assembling his squad.

"I've reached verbal agreement with all four guys and that's good enough for me," said Whistle.

"I know that when they say they're coming back they're coming back.

''I hope to have their signed contracts back by the end of next week. "I've made offers to other players from last season and to quite a few new guys.

''I'm hoping that two in particular - a forward and a defenceman - will let me know either way by Monday.

''They've never played in Superleague before but they would be tremendous signings."

Riehl, Johnson, Kelman and Stewart are all highly-rated by Whistle and would grace any Superleague squad.

"Kevin's stats speak for themselves, he was Superleague's top points scorer last seaosn, and Stewart second highest scoring defenceman.

"Shane is a very steady defenceman who plays hard every shift, while Todd is the ideal utility player, he can play anywhere. ''