The Belfast Giants are pleased to announce the re-signing of 35-year-old Ciaran Long for the 2026/27 season.
Birmingham-born Long returns to the Giants’ lineup for the seventh season, having first debuted in Belfast in the 2019/20 campaign. To date, the versatile forward, who has been one of the club’s alternate captains for the last three seasons, has made nearly 400 appearances for the Giants and contributed more than 150 total points in all competitions.
Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants, said: “Longer [Ciaran Long] is one of those players who isn’t afraid to do the dirty work at either end of the ice. He’s one of the most experienced guys on the team and someone who knows what it takes to win in all situations. Longer has been a great servant to this club and the Elite League as a whole, so to bring him back for another season is a real shot in the arm at this stage.”
The ever-reliable former Great Britain international also made his mark on the wider Elite League, recording 115 total points in 142 games for the Manchester Storm in all competitions. Before making inroads into UK hockey, Long spent a portion of the 2015/16 season with the New Zealand-based Canterbury Red Devils, recording an impressive 40 total points in just 18 games.
Commenting on his return for the 2026/27 season, Ciaran Long said: “I’m delighted to be back with Belfast. I’ve really enjoyed my time here, and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season. I can’t wait to get back out there in front of our amazing fans, work hard, and do whatever I can to help the team achieve its goals.”
2026/27 Belfast Giants season tickets are on sale for a limited time only, with the full schedule of Elite League and Challenge Cup fixtures expected soon.
For more information or to secure your seat ahead of the new campaign, click here.
