Dickson signs on for another Giant season

25-year-old Andrew Dickson from Ballymoney, will be the Giants backup netminder this season, playing behind British Netminder of the Year, Stephen Murphy. Dickson has fulfilled this role with the Giants full-time for the past two seasons, winning the Elite League Championship in 2012. Dickson has proved to be a vital part of the Giants team and was called upon in the prestigious Continental Cup last season as the Giants defeated the Dutch Champions, Ruijters Eaters Geleen.

General Manager Todd Kelman spoke about Dickson returning for another season with the Giants. “I am very pleased to have Andrew back with us and I know that he is excited to be back. Dickson knows what we expect of him and I believe he will take full advantage of his role and continue to improve.

“Andrew is a very hard worker and I know that the guys that played on last season’s team loved having him around, he is a fun guy, a great teammate, but also understands that he has to train harder than anyone if he wants to continue improving year on year.

“Northern Ireland should be proud of one of their own putting in the effort and commitment week on week to make it at this level. Due to a lack of facilities, Andrew was at a disadvantage over players in England, Scotland and Wales, but he has persevered and improved to the level we would expect of someone in his position at Elite League level.

“I really like the fact that when practice is over, Dickson stays on the ice until the last player that wants to take shots on him is ready to call it quits. Backup netminders have to understand how important they are to the team and he gets that. The guys love him for it and respect the job he does for us.”

Dickson is looking forward to another season at the Odyssey.

“I am really looking forward to another year in Belfast,” he said. “I love being part of the Giants and the team our new coach (Paul Adey) is putting together looks like we will be contenders again next season.

“Murph and I work well together, he has been a big help in my development over the last couple seasons and I just want to give him as much support as he needs to continue to do his job as well as he does.”