Giants captain Blair Riley quits side after new offer

Blair Riley has been with the Belfast Giants for three seasons and captain for two. Credit: Presseye

Belfast Giants captain Blair Riley will not be returning to the side, despite helping them to three trophies last season and a place in the Champions Hockey League for next season.

The 33-year-old Canadian was on a two-year deal that should have taken him to the end of the forthcoming season.

However, on Monday, the Giants confirmed that Riley had received an offer from another club.

A statement said: “The Stena Line Belfast Giants can confirm that Blair Riley will leave the organisation, with the captain opting out of his two-year contract.

“Riley informed the organisation that he has accepted an offer from another team and would not be returning to Belfast for a fourth season.”

Belfast Giants captain Blair Riley lifted the Challenge Cup in Cardiff two years running. Credit: David Williams

The forward made his debut for the Giants in 2016, taking over from Adam Keefe as captain in his second term with the Belfast side.

The organisation has thanked him for his services, which include winning the Challenge Cup two years running and the Elite League title this year.

It has not yet been confirmed which team Riley has signed for – or in which league, leaving open the possibility that he could have signed for a rival team.

His departure marks a blow for the Giants and their fans and comes after the confirmed retirements of both long-serving British international Colin Shields and Dustin Johner.

David Rutherford has also confirmed he will not be returning to Belfast for another stint in teal.

Doubts also hover over a number of other key Giants personnel, with a major rebuilding effort likely to be required by head coach Adam Keefe and head of hockey operations Steve Thornton.