Cole Shudra on why switch from Sheffield Steelers to Belfast Giants will bring out 'the best' in him

The 27-year-old – who came through the Sheffield junior system and first joined the Steelers as an apprentice back in 2016 – found ice time a little harder to come by since the team’s treble-winning year of 2023-24 but is confident a move to the SSE Arena will see him flourish.

The move comes just three days after Shudra returned home after representing Great Britain at the World Championships in Zurich.

The left-handed forward - who has also been known to play defence - has also spent time previously in the EIHL with Coventry Blaze and Milton Keynes Lightning, as well as two years in NIHL National at Leeds Knights.

Shudra said he is looking forward to working under Giants’ head coach Adam Keefe, who guided the organisation to an eighth EIHL regular season championship last season.

“After speaking with Keefer [Adam Keefe], playing for him will really bring out the best in my game and allow me to play my role effectively,” said Shudra.

“I am coming in ready to work, compete hard every night.”

Keefe, who saw British forward Brandon Whistle head in the opposite direction last month, said: “Cole brings young energy. He is bigger-bodied and offers a physical forechecking presence, which is something we needed to address.

“He has also had some real success offensively when given a real opportunity in NIHL National, so he has some real upside there, too.

“An added bonus is that he also has the ability to fill in on defence if needed.”

In a post put out on social media channel ‘X’ on Thursday afternoon, the Steelers said: “After this afternoon’s announcement that Cole Shudra has signed for Belfast for the 26/27 season, we thank Cole and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Shudra is the second British player to exit the Steelers in the past week, defenceman Reece Kelly heading back to Fife Flyers after spending one and a half seasons in Sheffield.