Steve Thornton played 36 matches for the Belfast Giants

Basingstoke Bison assistant coach Steve Thornton is to take charge of Elite League rivals Belfast Giants for the 2008-09 season.

The 34-year-old Canadian is a former Giants player, having helped them win the play-offs in 2003.

Thornton succeeds Ed Courtenay who was head coach of the Giants for three seasons, leading them to a league title in his first term.

It is believed the new boss has already targeted a number of possible signings.

"I got the guy I wanted for the job," said Giants general manager Todd Kelman.

"I spoke to a lot of potential coaches but Steve had all the qualities I was looking for.

"He is a true professional, on and off the ice, and lives and breathes ice hockey.

"His strengths are his ability to recruit, how well he knows the league, his on-ice systems and his knowledge of the game."