The Stena Line Belfast Giants are pleased to announce the signing of Patrick Dwyer for the 2018/19 Elite League season.
The American forward arrives in Belfast from SønderjyskE of Denmark’s Metal Ligaen.
Dwyer, who becomes the 199th player to ice for the Giants, played for the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes in seven straight seasons between 2008-2015. The 35-year old posted 42 goals and 51 assists, good for 93 points in 416 NHL games.
Dwyer made Sweden home for the 2015/16 season with MODO of the Swedish Elite League. After a professional tryout in 2016/17 with the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, Dwyer returned to the Hurricanes organisation with their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers. In 58 games with the Checkers, Dwyer scored 14 goals as well as 26 assists and helped Charlotte into the AHL playoffs.
The six foot, 176-pound forward was a fourth round NHL draft pick by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2002 and then spent four seasons in the NCAA at Western Michigan, captaining the team in his senior year. Dwyer also iced at international level in the 2012 IIHF World Championship for Team USA and scored in their famous 5-4 win over Team Canada.
Patrick Dwyer spoke with Patrick Smyth, A View From The Bridge, (full interview below) on his arrival in Belfast: “From early on in my career, Belfast was always a place that I was intrigued to come and play in. We almost came to an agreement last Summer and unfortunately it did not work out. However I am excited this year to get to go and play for the Giants.
“It was amazing to get the chance to play professionally and play in the NHL with the Hurricanes. I enjoyed & relished the opportunity and can recall all of my 400+ games!
“I am a hard working guy whether it is not the forecheck or on defence. I can put up points too and enjoy helping on the powerplay. I am willing to do whatever we need to do to hoist some championships in Belfast.”
