Thornton to be new Giants coach

Steve Thornton played 36 matches for the Belfast Giants

Basingstoke Bison assistant coach Steve Thornton is to take charge of Elite League rivals Belfast Giants for the 2008-09 season.

The 34-year-old Canadian is a former Giants player, having helped them win the play-offs in 2003.

Thornton succeeds Ed Courtenay who was head coach of the Giants for three seasons, leading them to a league title in his first term.

It is believed the new boss has already targeted a number of possible signings.

"I got the guy I wanted for the job," said Giants general manager Todd Kelman.

"I spoke to a lot of potential coaches but Steve had all the qualities I was looking for.

"He is a true professional, on and off the ice, and lives and breathes ice hockey.

"His strengths are his ability to recruit, how well he knows the league, his on-ice systems and his knowledge of the game."