After contract clauses were sorted out, he has signed Sheffield Steelers duo Ryan Bach and Paul Kruse.

Highly-rated puckstopper Bach and veteran NHL hardman Kruse will now be pulling on Giants' jerseys for the 2002-2003 season.

And Whistle cannot wait for the pre-season BT Broadband Belfast Ice Cup to start.

"I'm really excited," said the Canadian coach.

"I've been in discussions with both of these players for a while now and I'm finally glad they've signed on the dotted line.

"There were clauses in the contracts that had to be honoured and that didn't happen until Thursday but now they're mine!"

It is no secret that Whistle wanted both these players last season but never got them and had to sit back and watch while they helped Sheffield lift the Play-off title.

He will be hoping they will now do the same for the Giants.

"I tried to get Bach last year but he decided to go to Sheffield, instead I got Mike Bales and everyone knows the part he played in helping us win Superleague.

"With Mike gone to Germany I've been talking to Bach again all summer long and we've finally sorted things out.

"He was impressed with the arena, the fans and the organisation, is hungry for more success and believes he's more chance of achieving it with the Giants," explained Whistle.

"He's an outstanding goalie and was just superb in the second half of the season, especially in the play offs, saving all five penalties in the final."

Bach was disappointed with the new deal he was offered by the Steelers.

Enforcer

"Although we finished on a high in Sheffield there were a lot of issues that were never addressed, so I decided to look elsewhere," Bach said.

"After just two seasons Belfast already has a reputation for getting players into higher leagues, something that attracts quality guys in the first place.

"A successful season with the Giants will keep me in the shop window."

Canadian enforcer Kruse has played in the NHL for 11 seasons for four different teams.

"At my age (32) you don't go looking for the rough stuff but if anyone tries to take advantage of any of our guys I'll confront them and hold them accountable," he warned.