McGimpsey leaves Belfast Giants

Ed Courtenay has signed netminder Nathan Craze

The Belfast Giants have announced that reserve netminder Chris McGimpsey has resigned from the club.

The Belfast man, who was in his third year at the club, has had few chances to stake his claim for a place in the starting team.

Coach Ed Courtenay has described him as "a dedicated and valuable player".

Great Britain Under-20 netminder Nathan Craze has agreed to sign for the Giants and will bench this weekend for the two away games against Edinburgh.

"Craze provided a great performance when he started against Nottingham in September, standing in for the injured Mike Minard," said Courtenay.

"He is a talented young player and I'm delighted to have him in the squad.

"Nathan started in three full games and continued as reserve netminder when Chris McGimpsey was absent due to a broken collarbone so he already knows the other players.

"As a permanent member of the squad, he will expand on that experience, work closely with Minard and hopefully getting the opportunity for more ice time," added the Giants coach.