The old adage of ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ often seems to pay dividends for the Belfast Giants.
You’ll often hear stories of players who have passed through our beloved city and club telling their friends in the game about just how much they loved their time here.
In fact- as is often alluded to by Adam Keefe in post game interviews- it seems that some of our best recruitment is done by these word of mouth stories, passed from player to player.
Enter your newest Belfast Giant, Jesse Forsberg.
The 6 foot 1 lefty Defenseman out of small town Waldheim, SK talks warmly of his friendship with Josh Roach and Kendall McFaull, having played with them at his Alma Mater the University of Saskatchewan before their move across the Atlantic to join the EIHL.
It was those recommendations, along with positive discussions with Adam Keefe and Steve Thornton early this summer, that sealed the deal for Forsberg.
In college, playing alongside his younger brother Alex, Forsberg was a two time All Star- winning the Mervyn Dutton trophy in 2016/17 for most outstanding D man in USports West.
His style of play is telling from the numbers he put up during those years, contributing to goals and assists in addition to exceptional shut-down defending, much in the vein of his friend Josh Roach.
In his five years with the Huskies, Forsberg netted 25 times with 61 assists. In fact, he’s been noted as something of an all rounder;
“A two-way defenseman with powerful skating. A good hitter. Offensively good. Gives a good opening pass. Reads the game well and plays smart. A team player who is ready to take on a fight.” – Matias Strozyk, Elite Prospects
The Giants’ continuing strong ties and good reputation with collegiate athletes has paid off big in recent times, and Adam Keefe and Steve Thornton will be hopeful that their latest acquisition is no different in bringing that unique type of youthful energy, and ultimately success, to Belfast.
Words: Joel Neill
Audio: Joel Neill / AVFTB
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