BBC SPORT | Other Sports | Giants complete line-up



By Stuart Hughes BBC Sport Online

Belfast Giants have signed two more players to complete their 17-man squad for the forthcoming season.

The Superleague champions have brought in defenceman Lee Sorochan and forward Doug MacDonald.

Sorochan, 26, was drafted by the New York Rangers in 1993, halfway through a four year apprenticeship with Lethbridge Hurricanes.

He then joined Saskatoon Blades but was soon called up by Binghampton Rangers of the AHL.

Sorochan later played three games in the NHL with Calgary Flames before moving to Europe in 2000.

I've had to juggle around with work permits and unfortunately Bowesy is the one that has suffered

Belfast coach Dave Whistle

He played eight games in the Superleague for London Knights before being poached by Jokerit Helsinki of Finland. He joins the Giants from Eisbaren Berlin.

Coach Dave Whistle said of Sorochan: "He's a very physical player and is particularly hard to beat one-on-one.

"He has a tough attitude and plays with an edge and he'll stick up for his team mates whenever the need arises.

"He's a real character player and I'll be looking for a little bit more offence from him as he's a good skater and has offensive talent."

Whistle has brought in MacDonald for his play-making and scoring ability. He is being considered for a top line role alongside Kevin Riehl and Ryan Kuwabara.

MacDonald, 33, iced fifteen times in the NHL for Buffalo Sabres.

He spent five seasons with IHL outfit Cincinnati Cyclones before moving to Cologne Sharks. He joins the Giants from Essen Mosquitos of Germany.

"He'll probably be the best all-round player on the squad," said Whistle.

New Belfast signing Doug MacDonald
MacDonald previously played for London

"He sees the ice very well and is a very strong skater, he can play any of the forward positions and he's particularly good at face-offs. He's very experienced and he's in great shape."

Belfast have, however, been forced to axe Jason Bowen, who has joined the Scottish Eagles.

"I've found it very difficult to replace the likes of Jason Ruff and Sean Berens and I've had to juggle around with work permits and unfortunately Bowesy is the one that has suffered," Whistle said.

Whistle has completed his defensive line-up by moving Curt Bowen to the blue line.