The American, who was the overall top scorer for the Giants last season, is moving to the Vienna Capitals and will be greatly missed by coach Dave Whistle.

"It's a good move for him and I know it was a very hard decision for him to make," said Whistle.

"It's the kind of league that will suit his style of play and if he does well he could probably move on the following year to bigger and better things.

"I couldn't make a move on another player until I knew what he was doing, now at least I can make an offer to a couple of guys I've been tracking.

"I wish Sean the best of luck, he's a class act both on and off the ice, he gives it everything he's got whether he's playing hockey or singing and he'll be sadly missed, but that's hockey."

And 26-year-old Berens is equally sad at leaving Northern Ireland.

"Unfortunately it was a career decision, I talked it over with my dad and my agent and I decided it was the best thing for my career.

"It was a very hard thing to do, I loved my time in Belfast, I won a championship with the Giants and everyone treated me well.

"But I have to think of my career and this is the right move for me right now.

"Austrian hockey has gone through a rough patch and it's now beginning to emerge from it and is attracting top class guys.

"So if I have a good year it can only benefit me and maybe get me into Switzerland where I'd really like to play."

Finding replacements

But he's not ruled out a move back to the Giants.

"I'd like to think that maybe in a couple of years time I could return to Belfast and play for the Giants again, I'm certainly not ruling it out," Berens added.

"The people accepted me straight away and I'll always remember that, I had a great time in Belfast."

Whistle is currently on a family holiday and returns later this week to the task of finding replacements for two of his top line.

Berens' departure follows that of Ruff, who has moved back to mainland Europe, along with netminder Mike Bales and top 'D'-man Chad Allan.