I’d love if Blaze stint led to Belfast return: Owen
AFTER a year out of the game due to Covid-19 restrictions, netminder Shane Owen is thrilled to be get back on the ice in next month’s EIHL Series and is hopeful his performances can earn him a new deal with the Belfast Giants for 2021-22 season.
The Ontario native was one of the first import players signed into the tournament, which gets under way on April 3, and, with the Giants not involved, Owen agreed a deal with the Coventry Blaze to be their starting netminder in Nottingham.
The 30-year-old was sensational in his one season in Belfast — leading the league with a 2.39 goals against average — and the goaltender is keen on a reunion.
“Hopefully things work out in September and we can get back to a regular EIHL season,” said Owen, who had been practicing in Scotland during lockdown but is now back in Toronto.
“I’d like to start looking at options (for next season) now, but my focus first is on this series, getting some reps in and then looking ahead to next season.
“I would love to be back in Belfast. I love the organisation, it’s so professional. I love the fans, I love the city, I have nothing bad to say about my season with the team, so I’d love to be back.
“It’s out of my hands, though, so we’ll see what happens.”
For now, Owen is putting all his focus on helping the Blaze to glory over the next few weeks and he says he’s excited to link up with the English side after they made a big push for his services.
“(Head coach) Danny Stewart reached out to me and it was kind of a no-brainer for me,” he added. “They showed real interest and I wanted to get back playing, so this is a great way to get back into action with some really great players.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things about Danny and the Blaze.
“It should be fun to get out there and play five weeks straight of hockey, then into play-offs. There should be some great games.”