Happy Boxy Day!

The Stena Line Belfast Giants are pleased to confirm that Jonathan Boxill will return to Belfast this weekend, dressing in teal for the team’s Boxing Day clash with the Glasgow Clan at The SSE Arena.

Bringing welcome additional strength to Adam Keefe’s roster as the team gets set for its first games coming out of the League’s Covid-19 protocol, ‘Boxy’ will dress for the team for the remainder of the Giants’ festive fixtures through to New Year’s Eve.

Across three previous seasons in Belfast, Boxill helped the Giants to two Challenge Cups and an EIHL League title, quickly becoming a fan favourite due to his on-ice tenacity and total commitment to the cause. An accomplished penalty killer, Boxill also took pride in the defensive side of the game and was known to stick up for his teammates when the situation arose.

Ultimately, Boxill’s legacy in Teal was cemented through his willingness to make sacrifices for a team and a city that he openly professes his love for.

It was during the 2019 Challenge Cup Final versus the Guildford Flames when ‘Boxy’ made an indelible mark on Belfast Giants history; throwing his body down in front of a ferocious Calle Ackered power play shot deep in the third period, sending a tied game to overtime, and ultimately resulting in a Giants victory.

Boxill has also tasted success on the international stage, helping Team GB secure back-to-back Div 1B silver medals in the IIHF World Championships in 14/15 and 15/16.

Commenting on the announcement, Jonathan Boxill said: “It’s amazing that I get to come back and play for such a great organisation again. Belfast is such a wonderful place, and it will always be a second home. It’s a special time of the year and I’m really looking forward to getting back and seeing the fans and the crowd. It’s such an amazing opportunity to come back for a short period of time and to do what I can to help the team. I’m really looking forward to coming back and putting on the Giants jersey again.”

Adam Keefe, Head Coach for the Belfast Giants added: “We’re pleased to bring Boxy back over the festive period; he’s a great player and hugely popular with the fans. His return will be a welcome boost to the team this weekend and for the remainder of our games this side of the New Year. We’re looking forward to getting back on the ice and in front of our fans this weekend.”

Tickets for the Belfast Giants’ Boxing Day clash with the Glasgow Clan are still available and can be purchased at http://bit.ly/Giants2021-22

New Covid Safety Measures

In support of the new guidance from the NI Executive, additional measures are being brought in to keep players, staff and fans safe. In addition to our robust Covid entry requirements, we are encouraging all ticket holders to:

• Lateral flow before you go.
• Remember that face coverings are mandatory and should be worn when moving through the Arena, and whilst seated, unless you are eating and drinking, or you are exempt.
• Not share transport with anyone outside of their own household
• Wash and sanitise your hands frequently throughout your visit.
• Limit their social interactions when at the game.
• Please read entry requirements carefully and be supportive of our staff as they work to enforce this updated guidance.

Further information on the Covid-19 entry requirements for The SSE Arena, Belfast can be found at: https://bit.ly/SSECovidSafety