Enforcers are having a difficult time maintaining NHL employment.
Kevin Westgarth, an unrestricted free agent since the Calgary Flames opted not to re-sign him at the end of last season, has inked a deal overseas with the Elite Ice Hockey League’s Belfast Giants.
Westgarth, 30, joins George Parros, Krys Barch and Paul Bissonnette in a group of UFA tough guys who have been unsuccessful in cracking an NHL roster this season.
In 169 career NHL games, the Princeton graduate scored seven goals, added nine assists and amassed 266 penalty minutes. The winger also won a Stanley Cup as a member of the 2012 Los Angeles Kings.
“Can’t wait to get to Belfast and start to contribute to a great squad!” Westgarth tweeted at new teammate and fellow Canadian Adam Keefe. “Good luck this weekend fellas!”
Westgarth, a native of Amherstburg, Ont., tried out for the Edmonton Oilers in September but failed to make the cut.