Giants Return Home to Sweep Devils in Pre-Season

Goals from Scott Conway, Chad Butcher, Ciaran Long, Steve Owre and David Goodwin sent the fans home smiling, as Adam Keefe’s side ran out 5-1 winners over the Cardiff Devils.

FIRST PERIOD

The Giants’ return to The SSE Arena, Belfast was a triumphant one off the bat, as the new-look side ran riot on the Cardiff Devils.

Scott Conway dangled his way down the slot to beat Ben Bowns unassisted at 7:58, before Chad Butcher doubled the score in front of the crease at 9:25 with help from Mark Cooper and Tyler Soy. (1-0, 2-0)

Ciaran Long took a beautiful set up pass from Gabe Bast at 17:53 to notch his second goal in two games, sending the Giants in at the break with a three-goal cushion and an electrified Teal Army. (3-0)

SECOND PERIOD

Ryan Penny’s hooking call five minutes into the period sent the Giants on their opening power play of the night.

After weathering the storm, Cardiff got on the board back at 5 on 5 courtesy of Joey Martin, with a ‘second goal in two nights’ of his own at 27:41 (Assist: Marcus Crawford). (3-1)

Tempers flared after the drop as Sam Ruopp took 2+2 for interference and slashing.

Steve Owre announced himself to the home crowd with a cool finish past Bowns at 29:52 (Assist: Chad Butcher, Tyler Soy). (4-1)

Belfast’s kill unit stood strong on a David Gilbert roughing penalty at 33:47, before Cardiff had a goal washed off at the crease with just over 3 minutes left in the period.

THIRD PERIOD

Ben Bowns made way for Will Kerlin in goal for the Cardiff Devils as the puck dropped on the third period.

Scott Conway’s hooking call at 41:19 was killed off, before Belfast took to the power play as Josh Batch sat for slashing.

The sides had just returned to full strength when David Goodwin tipped down David Gilbert’s shot from the top of the right circle for a fifth and final goal at 49:16. (5-1)

UP NEXT

Pre-season action continues next weekend as the Stena Line Belfast Giants meet Jeff Mason’s Dundee Stars at The SSE Arena, Belfast on Saturday 27^th August, facing off at 7:00pm. Tickets are on sale HERE!