Tom Walsh’s dreams of cracking the NHL might be behind him now but for one lost dream stems the realisation of another . . . Tom Walsh will not only get to play for the Belfast Giants, but he will also be studying at the University of Ulster.

The 26-year old defenseman is the first import signing by Steve Thornton this off season. Here is what the G-Org had to say about it. . . .

A joint partnership with the University of Ulster and the Belfast Giants has made the signing of Harvard Graduate and former NHL prospect Tom Walsh a reality for the 2009/10 ice hockey season. Walsh comes to Belfast after a year in the Finish Elite League, one of the top leagueís in Europe where he played for HIFK Helsinki. The former NHL Draft pick of the San Jose Sharks played for their top Affiliate team the Worcester Sharks two seasons ago, leading all defencemen on the Sharks in scoring with 36 points in 76 games.
– BelfastGiants.com, 30 April ‘09

Walsh is a gruduate of Harvord University were he played Ivy League hockey prior to being drafted by the Sharks in the 5th round in 2002. He now joins one prestigious University for another thanks to the Giants link up with the UUJ for players to come here and play hockey while attaining their masters on the side. It has to be said the idea is a great one. It attracts players to these shores that otherwise would never have came. The chance for the player to further their education while getting paid and playing their sport at a good level is certainly appealing. Hopefully this isn’t the last move of this kind.

Tom Walsh
Defense
Born Apr 22 1983  -- Arlington, MA
Height 6.00 -- Weight 200 -- Shoots L

Selected by San Jose Sharks round 5 #163 overall 2002 NHL Entry Draft

                                            -Regular Season-  --- Playoffs ---
Season   Team                        Lge    GP  G  A Pts PIM  GP  G  A Pts PIM
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2002-03  Harvard University          NCAA   32  1  6   7  30
2003-04  Harvard University          NCAA   24  1  4   5  24
2004-05  Harvard University          NCAA   34  3  9  12  16
2005-06  Harvard University          NCAA   35  4 12  16  28
2006-07  Worcester Sharks            AHL    29  1  8   9   8   6  2  2   4   0
2006-07  Fresno Falcons              ECHL   43  2  7   9  26
2007-08  Worcester Sharks            AHL    76  6 30  36  28
2008-09  HIFK Helsinki               FNL    30  0  4   4  18
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On the subject: Tom Walsh, University of Jordanstown | ALL SUBJECTS |

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