The Stena Line Belfast Giants have officially launched a brand-new Hall of Fame initiative at The SSE Arena, Belfast. The initiative will serve as a permanent tribute to honour key individuals who have impacted the club on and off the ice since its formation in 2000.

Launched at the Giants’ home game against the Dundee Stars on Wednesday 11 December as part of the club's 25^th-season celebrations, the Hall of Fame will serve as a new tradition that will see select individuals inducted each year at a special Belfast Giants home game in December.

As a centrepiece of this year’s celebrations, five individuals have been inducted into the Hall of Fame as the inaugural class of honourees. The first group includes Bob Zeller and Albert Maasland; co-founders and former owners of the Belfast Giants, David Whistle; the first head coach for the club, Jason Bowen; former defenceman who signed in the club’s founding season, and Mark Morrison; former forward for the Belfast Giants. These individuals, whose contributions have been pivotal in shaping the legacy and success of the club, were commemorated in a game night ceremony that allowed fans, old and new, to reflect on the club's storied history 25 seasons on.

The Belfast Giants’ Hall of Fame will be physically and lastingly permanent within the fabric of The SSE Arena, with a dedicated space for the initiative being introduced on the arena’s southeast concourse. Annual inductees will take pride of place on a specially designed stretch of wall at the Giants' home, with modular hexagonal plaques dedicated to honouring each member.

Speaking about the new initiative, Martin McDowell, Chair of The Odyssey Trust, said: “We’re proud to have introduced the Belfast Giants Hall of Fame as we celebrate our 25th season. This initiative honours the achievements and dedication of those who have defined our club’s legacy throughout the years, and that legacy extends far beyond what happens on the ice.

“Our first five inductees represent the spirit, resilience, and commitment that have shaped the Giants. Their contributions, both on and off the ice, have earned them this well-deserved recognition, and it’s a privilege to commemorate their impact in this way officially.”

David Whistle, an inaugural inductee of the Hall of Fame, said: "It’s an honour to be recognised in this way and to be part of the first ever Belfast Giants Hall of Fame class.

“The Giants organisation means a lot to me and my family, with my start out as the team’s first-ever head coach and, of course, my son Jackson’s professional ice hockey journey as a netminder with the team as well. I’ve made some amazing memories thanks to this club – both personally and professionally – and I’d like to thank everyone involved in granting me this opportunity; it’s special to be celebrated in this way alongside some truly deserved electees.”

See the Belfast Giants’ Hall of Fame installation at The SSE Arena for yourself at one of the team’s upcoming home games. Tickets are available here.