HIGHLIGHTS: Five star Giants crush Clan in Belfast
The Stena Line Belfast Giants opened the weekend with a comprehensive 5-1 win over the Braehead Clan on Saturday at The SSE Arena, Belfast.
The Stena Line Belfast Giants opened the weekend with a comprehensive 5-1 win over the Braehead Clan on Saturday at The SSE Arena, Belfast. A double from Chris Higgins and one each from Blair Riley, Michael Forney and Mark Garside saw the Giants move into first place in Challenge Cup Group A.
The Giants got off to a flying start, dominating the visitors throughout the opening period - outshooting the Clan 16-4. Blair Riley opened the scoring after only 3:36, assisted by Matt Towe and Jonathan Boxill with Chris Higgins doubling the Giants lead a few minutes later as his beautiful finish flew past Zajkowski in the Braehead net at 10:19.
However with 2:29 gone in the second period, Matt Beca pulled one back for the Clan, assisted by Scott Pitt and Corey Cowick. At 29:39, Michael Forney restored the Giants two-goal advantage, assisted by Chris Higgins with Mark Garside giving the hosts a three goal lead going into the final period at 36:21, assisted by Jim Vandermeer and Jeff Mason.
Jonathan Boxill dropped the gloves with Craig Peacock at 37:30 following the Braehead player's high stick on Coach Derrick Walser with the Giants forward getting the take-down.
Chris Higgins wrapped up the win for the Giants with a third period goal with 7:07 left on the clock, assisted by Michael Forney and Blair Riley.
Sunday sees the Giants travel to Sheffield to face the Steelers, face-off 6pm with the Giants next at home on both Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd October against the Coventry Blaze at The SSE Arena.
Final Score Stena Line Belfast Giants 5-1 Braehead Clan
Giants Man of the Match #68 Chris Higgins