Giants secure Jeff Baum for another season on the ice
The Texan defenceman has been at the SSE for the last two seasons
Last updated 17th Jun 2023
The Belfast Giants have announced the return of Texan defenceman, Jeff Baum for his third season in teal.
Hailing from Colleyville, Texas, 25-year-old Jeff Baum first signed for the Belfast Giants ahead of the 2021/22 season – playing a key role on and off the ice in the club’s triumphant Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) and Challenge Cup trophy lifts.
Having been warmly welcomed back to Belfast for the 2022/23 season by both the organisation and the fans, Baum once again flourished alongside teammate and veteran Giants defenceman Garside on the blue line, rounding off the season with a treble trophy win.
Baum hit the equalising goal in the thrilling 2022/23 Elite Ice Hockey League Playoffs Final against Cardiff Devils, after which the men in teal delivered the Giants' first ever treble win, and the club’s first Elite Ice Hockey League Playoffs title win since 2010.
Commenting on the re-signing, Giants Head Coach Adam Keefe said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jeff back to Belfast for a third season in teal. He’s a core part of the defensive unit that has brought us success this last two years – a reliable, hardworking and strong player who gives his everything during every shift he takes on the ice.
“It’s been a pleasure to coach Jeff this past two seasons; his growth on and off the ice has been immense. This re-signing marks another all-important signature secured as we head into a treble defending season.”
Speaking of his return to Belfast, Baum added: “I knew I wasn’t finished yet in Belfast. I’ve called the city home for the best part of the last two years, and it’s been amazing – not just the trophy lifts; but our fans Teal Army, my teammates, the arena, and the organisation.
“What an experience last season was. To be able to lift three trophies for our club, our fans, and the city of Belfast was a privilege that I'll carry with me for the rest of my career. I can't wait to see what this season brings – it'll be an awesome feeling to hit the ice in Belfast again in a couple of months, in front of a loud Teal Army.”