Giants Complete Cup Double Over Clan

First Period

The opening moments of the first period were end-to-end, with neither side creating much in the way of clearcut opportunities. However, the first chance of the contest fell to Clan’s Cade Neilson, who saw his effort on goal denied by the left glove of Jackson Whistle.

Both teams spent the next few moments trading shots on goal, with Austin Mitchell-King and Ben Lake seeing on target efforts batted away by Jackson Whistle and Lucas Brine. While either side could have taken the lead, it was the Giants that were rewarded for their persistence as Jordan Kawaguchi latched onto his linemate Patrick Grasso’s rebounded shot to give the away side the lead (0-1).

Jackson Whistle and Lucas Brine traded highlight reel saves, with the latter pulling off a particularly impressive block to see off Jake Gaudet’s point-blank effort. The Giants, however, were not to be denied for too long as Nicolas Guay ripped a low shot past Lucas Brine to double the lead midway through the first period (0-2).

After another remarkable save to prevent Hugo Roy getting on the scoresheet, Jackson Whistle’s goal was breached after a fine finish from Tristin Langan halved the Giants’ lead with little over five minutes remaining (1-2).

Despite renewed Clan confidence, the Giants regained their two-goal lead as Mike Lee’s deflected effort crept past Lucas Brine with just seconds to go before the break (1-3).

Second Period

It was the home side that came out of the gates fastest, with Cade Neilson beginning the second period as he started the first after his shot called Jackson Whistle into action in the opening moments. Alex Forbes soon followed up with an effort of his own, forcing another strong save from the Giants’ netminder.

Soon after, the Giants asked similar questions of the Clan goalie, with Lucas Brine’s quick reflexes keeping out Nicolas Guay and Ciaran Long’s attempts. Despite sustained pressure on both goals, it was the home side that reaped the rewards as Colton Poolman brought Clan back to within one (2-3).

Clan thought their luck was in again momentarily, as a goalmouth scramble almost fell to Tristin Langan before Marcus Eriksson ushered the puck out of danger. The remainder of the second period saw Jackson Whistle and Lucas Brine trade saves to ensure it was just the one goal that separated the sides after the 40-minute mark (2-3).

Third Period

A somewhat cagey start to the final period rendered goalscoring opportunities few and far between, with Marcus Eriksson and Colton Poolman having the best chances for their respective sides.

Lucas Brine soon added to his impressive shot stopping tally with a brace of fine saves to prevent Scott Conway and David Goodwin extending the Giants’ lead midway through the period. Not to be outdone, Jackson Whistle rustled up a crucial save of his own, keeping out Rylan Schwartz from close range.

Jackson Whistle was quickly called back into action as attempts from Mitchell Heard and Rylan Schwartz came close to tying the game with less than 10 minutes remaining in the contest.

After Clan opted to replace Lucas Brine with an extra skater, Colton Poolman once again came close to breaching Jackson Whistle’s net, however, the Team GB international stood firm between the pipes to maintain his side’s slim lead.

Despite Clan’s constant pressure, it would be the Giants that had the final say. David Goodwin’s second empty netter in as many days rounded out a strong road performance from Adam Keefe’s side (2-4).

Up Next

The Belfast Giants remain on the road against Scottish opposition, taking on the Fife Flyers on Saturday 4 October and the Dundee Stars on Sunday 5 October. After taking on SC Bern in the Champions Hockey League and coming up against the Clan once more, the Giants return to home ice on Sunday 12 October, welcoming the Fife Flyers to The SSE Arena, Belfast. Tickets are on sale and available to purchase here.