Published Friday, 01 June 2012
Hard-hitting Darryl Lloyd (© Michael Cooper)
The feisty forward, who scored 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points last season, put pen to paper on Wednesday on a deal with coach Doug Christiansen.
In doing so he became the first returning import player from the Giants to sign back with the club.
Lloyd quickly became a fan favourite with his style of play, thrilling fans with his huge hits and his intensity every single night.
He is hands-down the best hitter we have ever had in Belfast
Todd Kelman
He played 43 games last season and helped lead the Belfast side through a crucial run of games with some top notch hockey - he even scored back-to-back hat-tricks.
"When Darryl Lloyd is on the ice, every single player on the other team has their head up making sure they know where he is," explained General Manager Todd Kelman.
"There is no half-speed in his game, he is 100% all out every single time he hits the ice. It doesn't matter who he is playing, he just has one gear - overdrive.
"There were games last year that he carried the team on his back and when we had alot of injuries and were wondering who would step up to lead the team offensively, there he was to take on that role.
"Lloyd was a huge part of our championship season and he already told us that he expects to raise his game to another level next season, which I am excited to see."
Lloyd joins six non-import players already signed for the Giants: Graeme Walton, Stephen Murphy, David Phillips, Mark Garside, Matt Towe and Craig Peacock.
The club, which won its second ever Elite League title in 2012, said fans can expect to hear news of more signings in the coming days.