Schulte staying at Giants

Paxton Schulte hurt by rumours of a move to Cardiff

Paxton Schulte has rubbished rumours that he and Todd Kelman are leaving Belfast Giants to join Cardiff Devils.

The Odyssey favourite says that he has no intention of leaving Belfast to link up with his former boss Dave Whistle at the Welsh club.

Schulte is bemused at the speculation and he says that he does not know why the rumours began.

There was speculation that following the Giants worst run since their inception, Schulte was on his way out.

''There was never any intentions of us leaving,'' Schulte told the BBC on Thursday. ''I feel that when people have nothing good to say, they want to stir the pot.

''It's unfortunate that whether it is in real life or hockey or even people's personal life, it can be very hurtful.

''All the fans know that Todd and I love it here in Belfast. We are secure here with the Giants and have a good organisation and I would not play anywhere else.

''It does get a bit annoying when people continue to ask you whether you are going. You just have to have patience.

''I've always said don't explain yourself your friends don't need it, but your enemies won't believe you anyway.

''So based on that, everyone knows that Todd and I are here for the long haul.''

The Giants hope to break their seven-game losing streak when they face Basingstoke at the Odyssey on Friday night.