The University of Ulster has unveiled a pioneering international partnership with the Coors Belfast Giants Ice Hockey Club.

Professor Denise McAlister Pro-Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, launched the new educational scholarship which aims to bring world-class players to the Giants by offering three international ice hockey players the opportunity to study at Ulster.

The programme is a further step in the Ulster Sports Academy’s development of an international strategy for sport and follows on from the successful Ulster Elks Basketball international scholarship programme.

Three Giants stars – Canadians Shane Johnson, Andrew Martin, and Paul Deniset – will be studying Masters Degrees in Sports Management, and Business and Management at Ulster.

Professor McAlister said: “Sport is an important part of the corporate objectives of the University. Our aim is to become the leading university for sport on the island of Ireland.

“We are pleased to be welcoming the Giants to the University and to support excellence in sport through scholarships of this nature. I would also like to commend the hard work of those staff who have been involved in scholarships in the past which have worked very well and have seen sportsmen and women grow professionally and personally with the University.”

Dr Nigel Dobson, Co-Director of the Ulster Sports Academy said: “What we want at Ulster is for our students, domestic and international scholars, to become ambassadors for the University and ambassadors for the sporting scene in Northern Ireland.”

Todd Kelman, General Manager of the Belfast Giants, said: “For us it is a great recruiting tool. We are now able to attract better quality players to the club through this scheme.

“In the US, the university/school system is used as a feeder for professional ice hockey teams and leagues. With the University of Ulster, players can now continue their education and play hockey at the same time, which will mean we can attract better players to the Giants and it benefits the players too.”

Johnson returns to the Giants this season after a short stint with the Slough Jets and Sheffield Steelers. Kelman said that the club could never have been able to attract Martin and Deniset without the help of Ulster.

“We couldn’t have got these players if we didn’t have this school system in place. Some clubs in the league have started these systems and if we have ours in place now it means a better future for the club,” he said.

The Coors Belfast Giants begin their Elite League campaign on Saturday September 6th against the Cardiff Devils.

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter