Higgins to retire from the Giants
Star forward will not figure in season ahead
After three seasons with the Stena Line Belfast Giants, star forward Chris Higgins has announced his retirement.
He is hanging up his skates ahead of the 2017-18 season.
Higgins has had an eight-year professional career.
The 31 year old from Massachusetts, USA earned himself the nickname as the Belfast Datsyuk for his high skilled play that made him famous with the Giants fan-base.
Higgins helped the Giants to the Elite League title in 2013/14 with the Belfast side clinching the trophy with, a record breaking, 10 games still to play.
Head Coach Adam Keefe paid tribute to Higgins on the Giants’ website.
He said: “Chris Higgins was at the top of my list to get back here in Belfast this season. He’s the type of player that creates offence all over the ice and makes his line-mates better for it. He really elevated his game last season I thought and helped get us back to within striking distance of an Elite League title.
“This season we will very much miss his competitiveness, creativity & ability to change the game with every shift he took. With that being said, I understand his decision to look for job opportunities outside of hockey closer to home. Sometimes we forget that hockey players to have personal lives at home.
“I wish Chris all the best in life after hockey and if he gets that itch to play again soon, I’m always a phone call away!