Belfast Giants complete Steve Saviano signing ahead of the new season

The forward will become the 169th player to pull on the teal jersey when the Elite League season begins in September.

Saviano is a 5’7” 34-year-old from Reading, Massachusetts in the USA and joins the Giants from the Bolzano Foxes of the Austrian League, where he spent the last season and posted 11 goals and 19 assists – helping his team advance to the end of season playoffs.

Previously he played in the Swedish Elite League for Djurgårdens and Växjö Lakers HC for two seasons and four seasons respectively.

Saviano also had four successful years playing NCAA hockey with the University of New Hampshire where he was an Hockey East All-Star as well as Player of the Year and also collected awards for Best Forward and Sportsmanship.

Saviano, who signing was made possible by the partnership with Ulster University, spoke to ‘A View From The Bridge’ about what the Giants fans can expect from him..

“I work really hard on the ice every night,” he said.

“ I usually bring a lot of speed and try to be a good teammate. I give it my all and that is all I can really do every night.”

“It will be a fantastic experience for my family, I am excited about the opportunity and I cannot wait to get going in Belfast.”

Steve Thornton, Giants Head of Hockey Operations, added: “Derrick Walser and I wanted to have a team that would be relentless in puck pursuit and Steve is a guy who ticks all of the boxes.

“He will make his line mates better – he can take d-men on one-on-one, goes to the net hard and is easy to play with.”

Steve has played in a lot of good leagues in Europe and had a great college career. Regardless of where we put him, Steve will produce for us.”