Newton's Lasell University Teams With Belfast Giants Hockey Team

NEWTON, MA — Lasell University in Newton is partnering with the Stena Line Belfast Giants, Northern Ireland’s first professional ice hockey team, to offer connected learning experiences to Lasell students and the opportunity for players to pursue graduate and undergraduate degrees online.

Through this partnership, not only will players be able to access over 40 online degree programs, but Lasell and the Belfast Giants will also develop traditional and digital marketing, branding, and promotional campaigns that will help both organizations reach new audiences.

“This exciting partnership will provide Lasell students with real-world experiences and introduce Lasell and the Belfast Giants to new audiences while offering players a variety of learning opportunities through our extensive online programming,” said Chrystal Porter, Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing, in a statement. “We look forward to a long and productive collaboration with the Belfast Giants.”

Lasell has previously partnered with The Odyssey Trust, owners of the Belfast Giants, on an international connected learning experience. This included students from the school of Health Sciences who were participating in the annual Friendship Four Tournament, the only NCAA Division 1 college hockey tournament played outside the United States.

"For years, Lasell has attracted students from across the globe," said Porter. “International students contribute to the vitality of our campus by sharing their ideas, insights and experiences with the Lasell community. We believe this collaboration will help generate interest in and awareness of Lasell University among prospective students and their families.”

Founded in 2000, the Belfast Giants are among the 10 teams that compete in the UK's Premier Sports Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL). In the past two decades, the team has won eleven major honors, including five British league championships, two British playoff titles, and three Challenge Cups, and hosted the Boston Bruins in a 2010 pre-season match up.