With Jackson Whistle away on GB international duty this weekend, Belfast Giants head coach Adam Keefe has opted to add 30-year-old netminder Jake Kupsky to the roster.

From Waukesha, the Wisconsin native arrives in Belfast from the Guildford Flames, where he made 37 appearances in all competitions during the 2024/25 season and the current campaign.

Before landing in the Elite Ice Hockey League, Kupsky played four seasons of NCAA hockey with Union College between 2015 and 2019, after which he iced for teams across the SPHL, ECHL, and AHL, including the Idaho Steelheads, Greenville Swamp Rabbits, South Carolina Stingrays, and Abbotsford Canucks.

Adam Keefe, head coach of the Belfast Giants, said: “Jake is a highly experienced goalie who joins us at an important time of the season when squad depth is crucial to success.

placeholder image — The Belfast Giants have confirmed the signing of 30-year-old netminder Jake Kupsky from the Guildford Flames. Picture: John Uwins

“With Whis [Jackson Whistle] away with Team GB, Jake’s addition will bolster our netminding options and help strengthen the roster.”

Kupsky’s first taste of European hockey came during the 2023/24 season, during which he made 44 appearances for HKM Zvolen of the Slovakian Extraliga. During his time with the Flames, Kupsky posted a goals-against average around 3.10 and a save percentage near .912 between the pipes.

Commenting on joining the Belfast Giants, Jake Kupsky said: “I’m really grateful for the opportunity to join the Belfast Giants. It’s a world-class organisation with a strong community around it. I’m looking forward to getting to Belfast, meeting the team, and doing my part wherever needed.”

Meanwhile Guildford Flames head coach Paul Dixon said on the club's website: “We can fully appreciate Jake’s situation and his request.

“We had anticipated him getting probably 70% plus of starts this season, but he had a significant injury early on day one and we had to fill the gap by bringing Justin Fazio in.”

“This season did not unfold the way we or Jake were expecting. Both Taz Burman and Justin filled the gap very well, and Jake came back in a position where it was hard to get the net back.

“We would love to have kept him, but his request makes perfect sense, and we definitely do not want to stand in his way.”

“We are grateful for a lot of great nights from Jake in service to us between last season and now, and we truly wish him all the best as he continues his career.”

The Belfast Giants return to action this weekend, taking on the Fife Flyers at The SSE Arena, Belfast.