Belfast Giants: former owner Jim Gillespie has passed away in Texas
Former Belfast Giants owner, Jim Gillespie has died.
He passed away at his family home in Houston, Texas.
In a statement, the club said Mr Gillespie was known by the team and fans as ‘Mr Belfast’, and was ultimately responsible for the world-famous sports franchise the Giants has grown to become today.
Having grown up in Belfast, he built his life and career in Houston Texas.
On his frequent visits home, he discovered the Belfast Giants, and quickly became a passionate fan and advocate of the team, inspired by the inclusive and welcoming space the Giants were creating, and hockey’s ability to bring once divided communities together.
"In 2002/3, at the demise of the then Superleague, the Giants were on the brink of collapse. Gillespie stepped in to save the franchise and his hugely generous philanthropic gesture leaves a lasting legacy today," a Giants spokesperson said.
"Under his ownership during the 10 years that followed, the Giants won two EIHL League Titles, two playoff titles, a Knock-Out Cup and a Challenge Cup, developing a large and loyal fanbase that has helped grow the game to become the largest indoor spectator sport in Northern Ireland.
"He was made Honorary Life President of Belfast Giants in 2012 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to ice hockey in the city and was inducted into the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013. "
Speaking on his time with the Giants upon his induction to the British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame, Mr Gillespie said: "I originally became involved with the Giants because I discovered they were making a difference.
"For the first time I saw a sports team breaking down the barriers that historically have marred spectator sport in Northern Ireland. On one of my visits home, I went to several games and was pleasantly surprised to see families from both sides of the divide sitting together enjoying the excitement of professional ice hockey.
"For someone who grew up in Northern Ireland this was such a heart-warmingly impressive thing to see, people coming together, having a great night out with their families and friends. I decided to get involved."
Among the many tributes was one from Robert Fitzpatrick, CEO, The Odyssey Trust who said: “Jim Gillespie was a Giant of a man in every sense of the word.
"Without his generosity, vision and passion for this team, the Belfast Giants could not possibly have survived, never mind go on to become the global success story it is today.
"Our sincere sympathy and thanks go out to Jim’s wife Mitzi, their children, and the wider Gillespie family circle.
"Jim leaves a legacy that will live on in the hearts and minds of every Giants fan for a lifetime to come.”
Meanwhile, the Giants will open a book of condolence at the start of the forthcoming 2022/23 season.