In an attempt to rectify the scoring problems of the 2014/16 season, Head of hockey Operations Steve Thornton moved quickly to secure the services of the top goal scorer in the Elite Ice Hockey League, then 27 year old left winger Mike Forney. Forney arrived from the She eld Steelers, with whom he won the Elite League championship.
With Forney the Giants have one of the most potent and deadly strikers of the puck on UK ice. Positionally superb and a great eye for goal, Forney has already renewed aquaintences with Chris Higgins with whom he played Gwinnett Gladiators in the East Coast Hockey League. (Mike was also at Gwinnett at the same time as former Belfast Giants Cody Brookwell and Davy Phillips)
Speaking of star forward, Steve Thornton said “Forney makes his line-mates better. He is strong on face-o s and was a first team all-star in both the Elite League as well as the ECHL. Michael is a game breaker and I am excited to have him in Belfast.”
Last season seen 2 Forney brothers score on SSE Arena ice, when Mike’s brother Chris lifted the BelPot with UMass Lowell in the inaugural NCAA Friendship Four Tournament. A wonderful moment for the Forney family, and no doubt Mike hopes he can also raise a trophy above his head in Belfast. As do we all.
