Canadian forward Brandon Benedict has signed with the Belfast Giants for a second season, the club has announced.
The 28-year-old, who finished third in the team points table, was named Giants Coach's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year last season.
"I am delighted to be returning to Belfast for a second season. Our team looks really exciting so far and I really hope we can build on the playoff championship we won at the end of the season," Benedict said.
Despite missing 13 games through injury, the Canadian forward scored 22 goals and 51 assists for 73 points in 58 games played.
"Brandon was the priority signing for me from my first day on the job", Head Coach Doug Christiansen said.
"He had a lot of exceptional opportunities and I am really pleased he is coming back to Belfast. Coaching against him was a nightmare and I am really excited to have him on our team. He is as complete of a player as there is in the league and he is incredibly unselfish.
"He has chosen to come back because of how much he enjoyed playing in Belfast. It is exciting to have a player that is committed not just to the team but also the city."
Benedict is finishing his MBA at the University of Ulster this summer.
General Manager Todd Kelman said Benedict played a central part of the club's success last season.
"I considered Brandon one of the top five players in the Elite League last year and expect him to be the same this year. His unmatched work ethic and pure skill makes him a natural leader for our team and I am expecting even biger things from him this season," he said.
© UTV News