Brad Smyth netted seven times in his brief stay at the Odyssey

Canadian forward Brad Smyth has left the Belfast Giants to sign a contract in Italy.

Smyth was brought in on a short-term contract when Brandon Benedict, Colin Hemingway and Rich Seeley went down with injuries early into the season.

He originally planned to stay for four weeks while waiting for a contract in mainland Europe but ended up staying for just over two months.

Smyth scored seven goals and added 10 assists in his 17 games with Belfast.

"When we signed Brad, we knew it was only going to be a short term thing," said Giants coach Doug Christiansen.

"He is a great player and helped us through a very difficult time when we were short staffed because of injuries.

"He has had a handful of job offers during his time here in Belfast and I know he turned a few down because he liked the guys and playing for the Giants so much.

"I spoke with him this week about moving on and the offer he has is too good to pass up, something we just couldn't compete with."

"It was Smyth's goal when he got here to prepare himself to get a job in Europe and at the same time to keep the Giants in first place."

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