The skipper, who led the Giants to Superleague glory last term, has decided to go back to London and re-join the London Knights.

"Jeff has done a superb job for me in his two years with the Giants, both on and off the ice," said Giants head coach Dave Whistle.

"He led the team to the Superleague championship last season and he's a great all-round player and a good person.

"We've been talking to each other all summer long and I made him what I thought was a fair offer to return for a third season.

"But with his future in mind he's decided a move back to London suits him better, although he has nothing but good things to say about Belfast and the Giants' organisation.

"He's won silverware wherever he's been, he's now part of the GB set-up and I wish him good luck for the future - except when London play the Giants."

The 30-year-old from Brandon, Manitoba, put up good figures with the Giants, totalling 16 goals and 23 assists for 39 points rom 46 games last season.

Whistle is now concentrating on bringing in a replacement and further signings are expected later this week.