CIARAN Long has chosen to stretch his career into its 18th year by signing an extension with the Belfast Giants.
The 33-year-old will be spending his fifth year at the SSE Arena, having recorded over 250 appearances for the Giants.
Ahead of last season, Long was named as one of the club’s alternate captains after playing an integral role in the treble-winning 2022/23 campaign, considered one of the greatest achievements in the Giants’ history.
Long said: “I’m very happy to be coming back for another season. As everyone knows, I’ve made a family here in Northern Ireland, so Belfast will always be a special place for me to play.
“I’m definitely looking forward to getting back on the ice in front of the fans, but for now, I can’t wait to reset and spend some quality family time.”
Long has represented the UK at U18, U20 and senior levels, featuring as part of the 2021 roster for the International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships in Latvia but missing out on a spot for this spring’s World Championships in Czechia.
Long had three spells with fellow Elite League side Manchester Storm, icing over 130 times for the Altrincham-based club, and has also represented English Premiership sides Basingstoke Bison, Slough Jets, and Swindon Wildcats, as well as spending a year at the Canterbury Red Devils in New Zealand.
Long’s head coach, Adam Keefe is pleased that a key piece of his side’s puzzle is returning to the ice in Teal next year, where they will aim to regain their Elite Ice Hockey League title following an agonising 3-1 defeat to Sheffield Steelers in the final.
He said: “His willingness to play where he’s needed, coupled with a strong work ethic and competitive nature, make him a real asset to the game we want to play.
“Off the ice, Ciaran’s presence is felt in the locker room, and he really took the role of alternate captain in his stride last season.”
Long and the Giants will hope to regroup for the next season after a rough road through the play-offs, gaining a one-goal aggregate win over Coventry Blaze and and needing overtime to send the Cardiff Devils crashing out in the semi-finals before coming up short against the Steelers, who themselves completed the treble last season.
