Lightning Strike And Snap Up Former Devils Sharpshooter Guillaume Doucet

Canadian sniper Guillaume Doucet has signed for Elite League ice hockey new boys MK Lightning.

The former Hull and Nottingham forward was hugely popular among Cardiff Devils fans, scoring 43 goals with 26 assists in two seasons with the Welsh club.

Doucet’s work ethic and ability to score goals were major factors for the team in a Devils team who won three trophies last season.

Great Britain coach Russell, a former Devils head of player development, has also signed Canadian winger Kevin King, a 27-year-old who has moved from French champions Gap.

Doucet was a first signing for Lightning coach Peter Russell, who says: “He is a pure goalscorer and anywhere inside that grade A zone, he is lethal.

“Guillaume also plays with an edge in his game and competes hard for his team. Every successful team needs a Doucet in it.

“The strength of our locker room will be key to us having a successful season and these first two signings, first Doucet and now King, form a fantastic foundation for our future.

“Recruitment is vital to driving this great club forward this season.”

Doucet says he is excited about joining Lightning, saying: “I’ve heard great things about the people and the organisation in Milton Keynes.

“I’m looking forward to using my experience to this great team, making the move to the Elite League. It feels like the next natural step in my career and I will be working hard, on and off the ice, to help this club grow.”

Belfast Giants have announced the appointment of Adam Keefe as their new head coach.
Keefe takes over from Derrick Walser, who left the club at the end of last season after
leading the club to second place in the league and the play-off finals.
The new coach wants to make The SSE Arena a place for opposition players to fear when they
visit next season, saying: “I know what the fans and this city expects with regards to trophies,” said Keefe. “Years ago our arena was known as a tough place to come into, teams knew they were going to pay the price when they came here with a hard fought game.
“I want to bring that back and make it tough for teams to come in here and win hockey games.
“I’m a big believer in relentless puck pursuit with fast physical hockey and an Adam Keefe team competes hard every single night.
“It’s not easy to win in this league and a consistent work ethic will carry us through.”
Keefe’s appointment was greeted by head of hockey operations Steve Thornton, who says he’s found the right man for the job.
“Adam understands what it means to be a Giant and what the Giants mean to the community,” said former Devils forward Thornton.
“He is one of the best leaders that I have seen and coaching is in his bloodlines.  This is something he has been prepping for and he knows what it takes to win in this league.”

Guildford Flames have signed Slovakian defenceman Tomas Nechala. The 24-year-old arrives from French team Amiens, where he played 40 times and has experience of a further 150 games in the Slovakian top flight with a variety of teams.

Glasgow-based have GB forward forward Craig Peacock, who has committed to a second season with the Scottish team.

Clan have yet to appoint a replacement for head coach Ryan Finnerty, but they have started their recruitment.

Dundee Stars have signed Cameron McGiffin for a second season. The 20-year-old has committed to coach Marc LeFebvre’s team.

McGiffin joins fellow signings Joey De Concilys and Adam Harding on the Stars roster.