The Stena Line Belfast Giants are pleased to confirm the re-signings of Belfast-born forwards Mack Stewart and Carter Hamill on two-way contracts with National Ice Hockey League side Milton Keynes Lightning for the 2024/25 season.
Son of legendary Giants defenceman and current assistant coach Rob Stewart, Mack is a product of the Junior Belfast Giants setup, having represented the team at U16 and U20 levels between 2016 and 2020. In addition to representing Milton Keynes Lightning, Stewart had made appearances for both Leeds Knights and Solway Sharks, as well as Danish side Vojens’ U17 side. The 20-year-old has also iced for Great Britain’s U18 and U20 teams, scoring an impressive 22 total points in 15 games.
Commenting on the upcoming 2024/25 season, Mack Stewart said: “I’m really excited to be back with the Belfast Giants this year on a two-way deal with Milton Keynes Lightning. This opportunity means that I can continue to focus on my growth and development, which is so important to me. Having access to coaches and players from two successful organisations is such a great way to learn from those around me and draw from a range of experiences – and provides a lot of fun and variety, too!”
Another homegrown talent returning to Belfast on a two-way agreement is 19-year-old Carter Hamill. Like Stewart, Hamill represented the Junior Belfast Giants, icing at U16 and U20 levels, before going on to make appearances for Leeds Knights, Milton Keynes Thunder, and Milton Keynes Lightning. The up-and-coming forward made his debut for the Giants during the 2021/22 season, notching four Elite League appearances.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Carter Hamill said: “I am really excited to be back with the Giants this season. Having made my debut at 17 back in 2022, it means a lot to be back after two seasons away. The Giants will always be my hometown club, so I’m grateful and excited to develop further under the amazing coaches that we have at the Giants.”
Speaking of his latest two-way roster signings, Adam Keefe, Head Coach of the Belfast Giants said: “Two-way contracts are extremely important to our organisation – through investing in future homegrown talent and young athlete development, we can play a small part in the growth of our sport here in the UK and beyond. Both Mack and Carter bring strong work ethics and determination to succeed on the ice and the locker room – and that’s something you can never have enough of.
“On the ice, these guys put the work in. Whether that be at practice, during warmups, or when given the opportunity during games. This season will provide another step in the right direction for them in their pro hockey careers. While they’ll spend most of their time in Milton Keynes, we’ll certainly have Mack and Carter here with us in Belfast whenever we can.”
Tickets for the Belfast Giants’ pre-season fixture against the Cardiff Devils at The SSE Arena, Belfast on Saturday 24 August are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here.
