Gelinas craving trophies with Giants

GUILLAUME Gelinas has set his sights on European glory, as well as domestic dominance, after signing for the Belfast Giants.

He will bolster coach Adam Keefe’s defensive lines as the Giants aim to add more trophies to their Challenge Cup success from last season.

The lure of playing in the Continental Cup this autumn played a part in 25-year-old French-Canadian blueliner Gelinas committing to a deal with the Giants and after winning the national championship in Slovakia last season, he has come to Belfast looking for more silverware.

“I am a winner and want to win at every opportunity. This season is no exception,” said Gelinas.

Big aims: Guillaume Gelinas

“Coach Keefe talked to me about the four Championships available and I want to help the Giants win every one of those.

“I spoke with friends who played in Belfast and they only had great things to say about the city, the team and the fans — so it was a no brainer and I am really excited to play there.

“I really like to play as offensive as possible and I believe that the larger ice surfaces in Europe suit my game well. I like to jump into the play though I want to be able to help the team defensively too.”

It was Gelinas’ ability at both ends of the ice that made coach Keefe want to bring him to Belfast.

While with the Val-d’Or Foreurs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, he recorded 23 goals and 69 assists in 67 games on the way to the 2014 QMJHL Championship.

He also had spells with Iowa Wild in the American Hockey League and Quad City Mallards in the East Coast League — affiliate clubs of NHL side Minnesota Wild.