The Stena Line Belfast Giants are pleased to announce the signings of forward Finley Howells and defenceman Rhodes Mitchell-King on two-way contracts with Telford Tigers for the 2024/25 season.
Having represented the Telford Tigers at U15, U18, and senior levels, 21-year-old Howells has iced for the club’s National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) side more than 230 times, recording an impressive 238 total points between 2018 and 2024. Howells, from Telford itself, has also represented Great Britain at U20 level in the 2022 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship Division II tournament in Romania and Serbia, where he was named as one of the team’s alternate captains, and finished as the tournament’s second highest points scorer with three goals and five assists.
Commenting on joining the Belfast Giants, Finley Howells said: “It’s an amazing opportunity for me to develop my game with the Belfast Giants and Telford Tigers. It’s been a dream of mine to play professional hockey and to be able to learn from such an experienced team and coaching staff. I’ve heard so many good things about Belfast and I really can’t wait to get going.”
From Warwick, 21-year-old Mitchell-King rose through the ranks at Coventry Blaze, making a combined 84 appearances at U15, U18, and U20 levels, before making his Elite League debut for the Blaze during the 2022/23 season. Brother of Peterborough Phantoms’ Austin Mitchell-King, Rhodes spent three seasons overseas in North America, culminating in 36 appearances for USPHL Premier Division side, Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings.
Rhodes Mitchell-King commented: “Adam [Keefe] has built a great organisation in Belfast and I’m grateful to be able to develop further with both the Telford Tigers and now the Belfast Giants. I’m looking forward to working with some experienced players, as well as coaches and off-ice staff, at such an early stage in my career. I’m excited to get started.”
Having appeared for Great Britain at the 2022 World Junior Ice Hockey Championship Division II tournament, Mitchell-King was named captain of the U20 side for the 2023 edition of the tournament in Lithuania and Iceland, during which he recorded three total points.
Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants, said: “Finley and Rhodes arrive highly recommended off the back of really good seasons with Telford. Both are exciting young players, with a lot of potential to play at a high level, so we’re pleased to be able to support their development over the coming season. Being able to work alongside the likes of Telford, Milton Keynes, and Solway to facilitate two-way agreements with talented up-and-coming players is beneficial to all involved, and I look forward to welcoming a number of exciting players to Belfast for pre-season camp.”
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Image Credit: Telford Tigers
