Published Wednesday, 19 October 2011
LeBlanc has been released from his contract and is returning to Canada immediately, but the Giants have been quick to clinch a replacement signing.
Former ECHL All-Star Aaron Clarke, who was one of coach Doug Christiansen's summer transfer targets, comes in at number eight and may feature as soon as next weekend.
"When I learned that Leblanc might be leaving, I knew who I wanted - Aaron Clarke and I spoke during the summer and we came very close to a deal," Christiansen said.
Last season, Clarke showed his toughness by playing with a broken foot for the entire play-offs.
Doug Christiansen
"Clarke is a hard-nosed skill player who can play in any situation. He is a very fast player who can score. He is a confident competitor.
"He has not been playing this season so it will take him time to get in game shape but I am confident he will be a point-a-game player who can play in every situation."
And Clarke's looking forward to joining the Belfast side, thanks in part to a local connection.
"I look forward to contributing and being part of a winning team," he said.
"My great grandparents were from Belfast, so it will be nice to see where a part of my family heritage comes from."
The Giants are next in action against Dundee Stars on Friday and Coventry Blaze on Saturday, with both games played at the Odyssey Arena.
Clarke should be in the line-up for the following away game against Nottingham Panthers, on Saturday October 29.