Published Thursday, 02 August 2012
Greg Stewart in action. (© Montreal Canadiens)
Gregory Stewart spent two seasons with the Montreal Canadiens and has also played 246 games in the American Hockey League, mostly with the Canadiens top affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Most recently, he's been playing for the Oklahoma City Barons - but now the 26-year-old, from Kitchener in Ontario, is on his way to Belfast on a one-year deal.
And the Giants are expecting him to quickly become a fan favourite, given his hard-hitting style of play and willingness to drop the gloves.
He can skate fast, hit hard, fight and score.
Doug Christiansen
"Adding a player who is in the prime of his career and played in the NHL two years ago is a massive coup for our organisation," Giants head coach Doug Christiansen said.
"You just don't make it to the NHL as an 8th round draft pick if you don't play the game with passion. I expect him to be a big part of our team and I expect our fans to love him."
Christiansen added: "Last season, he had an injury-shortened season but was dominant in the first round of the play-offs. His coach stated that he 'single-handedly won us our first round play-off series'.
"His former coaches and competitors raved about what he can bring to a team. He should be a fan favourite at the Odyssey."
Stewart will wear the number 17 jersey for the Giants in the new season - following in the footsteps of another former NHLer, Jason Ruff.