Gleed Becomes a Giant
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The Belfast Giants are pleased to announce the signing of defenceman Jon Gleed, who joins the Giants straight from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League. The 6'2" Canadian was a draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2004 and has be described as a ‘warrior’ by former coaches and teammates.
New Belfast Giants Head Coach Doug Christiansen, a former Union standout, commented on his first import signing:
"With one minute left and up a goal, I expect Jon to be on the ice. Last season he was given the role of shutting down the top players in the AHL. He is big, strong, physical, and tough. He is not afraid to stand up for himself or his teammates. That will not be his job in Belfast but he does play a physical game.”
“The reviews I had on him were as good as any player I have ever recruited. It was the first time in four years of recruiting players that I sent a contract offer the same day as I got a players name and heard from his references. I know he is excited about coming to the Giants and helping to continue the championship tradition here in Belfast. His increasing point total is a sign that his best hockey is ahead of him."
Gleed, talking from his house in Canada said, "I am very excited to be joining the winning tradition of the Belfast Giants. I have heard great things about Belfast from former players. I am really looking forward to next season and hopefully we can continue down the successful path the Giants have been on the last couple of years."
General Manager Todd Kelman is excited about the latest signing.
“Jon is a quality player and everyone we talked to about him had not just good things to say, but outstanding things to say about him as a player and as a person. He is coming from a better league in North America, just one step away from the NHL and we expect him to be a top player in the Elite League.”
