Walton set for 500th Giants game

Belfast man Graeme Walton will become the first player to make 500 appearances for the Belfast Giants when he plays in Friday's game against Braehead.

Walton began his Giants career in 2003 when he became one of first batch of local players to play for the club and he has helped Belfast win four major trophies during his career.

The defenceman has been in goalscoring form recently with four strikes over the last month.

"It is a great testament to Graeme to have played 500 games for the same team," said Giants general manager Todd Kelman.

"As an organisation, we are very proud of Graeme and what makes this even more special is that our longest-serving player is a homegrown talent.

"When the Giants arrived in 2000, it was a team full of North Americans and nobody ever thought of local ice hockey players getting the opportunity to play for their hometown team but 12 years later and we have our longest-serving player born and bred in Northern Ireland.

"His success story gives a lot of local players hope that if they work hard they will get their opportunity as well.

"On a personal note, I am pleased to see Graeme reach this milestone.

"Graeme was my defence partner for a couple of seasons when I was playing and I enjoyed 2 of my personal best seasons with him as my partner out on the ice.

"He has played a big part in the Giants success over the years and although he is the guy that tries to stay out of the spotlight, this achievement should be celebrated."