Goalie Whistle ‘vitally important’ to the Belfast Giants says head coach Adam Keefe
Belfast Giants head coach Adam Keefe has described the re-signing of netminder Jackson Whistle as “vitally important” to the team’s success.
From Kelowna, the Great Britain international will return for his eighth season in teal, having first arrived in Belfast for the 2016/17 campaign.
Keefe said of signing Whistle: “Whis [Jackson Whistle] has been a vitally important player for us for a number of seasons now, so to be bringing him back for another year is a big boost.
“Throughout his time in Belfast, Whis has got better and better, and has undoubtedly grown into one of the best netminders in the Elite League.
“Jackson’s work ethic and compete levels are second to none are exactly what we want and expect from a Belfast Giant, so he sets a real precedent in the locker room and on the ice. I don’t doubt this season will be another impressive one for Jackson.”
The son of Dave Whistle – the Giants’ first-ever head coach – Jackson has established himself as a firm fan favourite and was voted as the club’s MVP during the 2024/25 season and received the 2025/26 Unsung Hero Award. Although dealt an injury that sidelined him towards the latter stages of the 2025/26 campaign, Whistle produced some crucial performances throughout the season, posting an impressive 1.77 goals against average, 0.929 save percentage, and six shutouts.
Commenting on re-signing with the Belfast Giants, Jackson Whistle said: “I’m really looking forward to another season in teal. Over the last few seasons in particular, we have created a habit of success, and I can't wait to continue to build on that momentum next year.
“Without a doubt, the Giants have some of the best fans in the Elite League, so the opportunity to get back on the ice in front of them is special and something I don't take for granted.
“The team is looking strong again this year, so I can't wait to go out and compete for every trophy that's available.”
At the end of last week the Giants confirmed the signing of American defenceman Christian Berger for the 2026/27 season.
From St Louis, the American defenceman joins the Giants off the back of a solid season with the ECHL’s Indy Fuel, whom he helped reach the 2025/26 division semi-finals, contributing 22 total points in 76 games.
Since turning professional ahead of the 2024/25 season, Berger has also made appearances for the Maine Mariners, Hartford Wolf Pack, and Västerås IK, recording 21 total points in 50 games in all competitions.
Adam Keefe said of the signing: “Christian is an elite character guy who came highly recommended by his previous coaches. He is a solid two-way defenceman who can chip in offensively as well. I believe he will fit in nicely with our culture here.”
Berger boasts an impressive college career, spending four years with Penn State University between 2020 and 2024, captaining the Nittany Lions during his senior year.
Throughout his collegiate career, Berger posted 42 total points in 129 games and was the team’s top scorer from the blue line in his junior year, contributing 20 points in 38 games.
Commenting on becoming a Belfast Giant, Christian Berger said: “I am super excited to be in Belfast next season.
“The organisation and the city have a great reputation, and it’s an honour to have signed. I’m hopeful that next year will be a successful one, and I can’t wait to get to work.”