Belfast Giants legend Colin Shield’s jersey retired

The esteem in which the legendary Scottish-born player is held was clear as rapturous applause and a standing ovation followed the fitting tribute, ahead of tonight’s Belfast Giants versus Glasgow Clan game, which Belfast went on to win 5-1.

Jersey retirement is the highest accolade that can be bestowed upon a player, and an honour reserved for the few who’s on-ice impact matched their cultural impact away from the rink.

Shields’ number, which will now be taken out of circulation, is only the seventh to hang from The Bridge in The SSE Arena in the team’s 21-year history. His jersey joins former Giants’ jerseys,  11 (Colin Ward); 27 (Paxton Schulte); 16 (Rob Stewart); 4 (Shane Johnson); 18 (Graeme Walton) and 44 (Todd Kelman).

In a glittering career for the Belfast Giants spanning 14 years, NHL draftee Shields won it all. On his way to amassing three EIHL league titles, three Challenge cups, an EIHL playoff title, a knockout cup, a captaincy, and a host of individual league accolades in Teal, Shields set the Belfast Giants record for most appearances (611), goals (245), assists (395) and total points (644).

He also broke the goal scoring record for Team GB Men, retiring with a string of medals including back-to-back Division 1B and 1A golds, which helped the side return to the topflight in 2018; their first appearance since 1994.

His retirement in 2019 was followed by an induction into the UK Ice Hockey Hall of Fame in November 2021 and now, after a long wait due to the Covid 19 pandemic, Belfast’s number 19 finally takes its rightful place alongside the immortals.

Speaking at the game, Colin Shields said: “It’s hard to put into words what this means. it’s a very proud moment. It’s an honour, especially for an