Jersey Retirement for Belfast Giants Legend Adam Keefe
The Stena Line Belfast Giants are proud to announce the retirement of the #47 jersey in honour of long-time captain and current Head Coach Adam Keefe, marking a historic milestone for the club.
The jersey retirement ceremony will take place ahead of Keefe’s much-anticipated testimonial at The SSE Arena, Belfast on Sunday 8 June 2025.
Keefe, who joined the Giants as a player in 2011, quickly became the heartbeat of the club, serving as captain from 2012 until his retirement in 2017.
During that time, he built a reputation as being one of the toughest, most dedicated, and most beloved figures in the club’s history. His leadership, on and off the ice, helped bring silverware and pride to the organisation, endearing him to fans and fellow players alike.
Commenting on his jersey retirement, Adam Keefe said: “It’s hard to put into words what this means to me.
(Photo by Philip Magowan / Press Eye.)
“Belfast has become my home, and the Giants have been my life for over a decade.
“To see my jersey raised to the rafters, in front of my family and friends, and our incredible fans who have supported me all these years before my testimonial, will be truly humbling. I’m very honoured and proud.”
Following his retirement from playing, Keefe took over as Head Coach of the Giants in 2017.
His tenure ushered in one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.
Under his guidance, the team has secured five Challenge Cups, four Elite League titles, and one Elite League Playoff title, including the coveted treble during the 2022/23 season, solidifying his legacy as the most successful Head Coach the Belfast Giants have ever known.
Steve Thornton, Sports Director at The Odyssey Trust, commented: “Adam has given everything to this organisation – as a player, a captain, and now as the most successful Head Coach we’ve ever had.
“His passion, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the Giants are unmatched. Retiring his iconic number is one of the highest honours we can give, and it’s thoroughly deserved.”
The jersey retirement ceremony will precede Keefe’s testimonial – a night set to celebrate his immense contributions to the Giants and the wider Belfast community.
The event promises to be a memorable occasion for fans, friends, and former teammates, all gathering to pay tribute to a true Giant in every sense of the word.
Tickets are available to purchase here.
Belfast Giants_Adam Keefe (1): Adam Keefe at The SSE Arena, Belfast.
Belfast Giants_Adam Keefe (2): Adam Keefe at The SSE Arena, Belfast.
Belfast Giants_Adam Keefe (3): Adam Keefe with the 2022/23 Elite League Playoff, Elite League, and Challenge Cup trophies at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.
Belfast Giants_Adam Keefe (4): Adam Keefe playing for the Belfast Giants in a Challenge Cup game in 2016.
