Belfast Giants add Kevin Raine to defence
Last updated 27th Jul 2017
The Stena Line Belfast Giants are pleased to announce the signing of Kevin Raine for the 2017/18 season. The announcement was made exclusively on the Giants official podcast, A View From The Bridge. Click here to listen to the new episode featuring Kevin Raine.
The 24 year old defenceman, the 183rd player to pull on our teal jersey, is added to the Giants blueline alongside Mark Garside, Ryan Martinelli and Cole Jarrett.
Raine, a Canadian with a right shot, joins the Giants from the ECHL’s Florida Everblades. He is a solid defenceman who moves the puck well and is not afraid to join the rush.
Across four OHL seasons Raine, who will wear #22 for the Giants, posted 6 goals and 38 assists, good for 44 points in 171 games. The 6’1” player won an OHL championship in 2011/12 with the London Knights and also captained Sudbury in 2013/14.
Raine made his professional debut in 2013/14 with the AHL’s Portland Pirates before being invited to the 2014 NHL rookie camp and training camp of the Los Angeles Kings
Kevin’s solid play earned him a spot with the Kings organisation on the roster of their AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs. In his first professional season, he won the Calder Cup with the Monarchs.
In 2015/16, the 207-pound defenceman signed with the Ontario Reign before splitting 2016/17 with the Charlotte Checkers and the Florida Everblades.
Head Coach Adam Keefe on Kevin Raine’s arrival in Belfast: “Kevin is my type of player. He will compete every night for the Giants and he throws bone crushing hits, so our opponents will have to keep their heads up when he’s on the ice in the SSE this season.”
“Raine skates really well and is solid at both ends of the ice. I think the fans are going to love this guy!