Revenge win for Giants in fiery clash with Blaze

The Giants split the weekend points with the visiting Blaze. Credit: Presseye

  • Belfast Giants 4 - 1 Coventry Blaze

By Victoria Steveley

The Belfast Giants got their revenge for Friday’s defeat against Coventry Blaze when they beat them 4-1 in Saturday’s hot-tempered encounter.

The Giants had been disappointed to lose out 2-1 the previous night, leaving player-coach Derrick Walser frustrated with his side’s efforts.

On Saturday, the home side were again without the services of captain Adam Keefe, plus David Rutherford, James Desmarais and Jackson Whistle.

And it was the Blaze who again took the early lead with a first period goal from Robin Bergman.

But the Giants got themselves right back in the game before the first break, with two goals just seconds apart.

Jeff Mason fired home the equaliser just over a minute before the first buzzer and Jim Vandermeer grabbed the go-ahead goal almost immediately after the restart.

Jim Vandermeer followed up on Jeff Mason's goal with one of his own. Credit: Presseye
Jim Vandermeer celebrates scoring for the Giants against the Blaze. Credit: Presseye

Inside the first minute of the second period, Michael Forney was awarded a penalty shot and he beat Blaze netminder Brian Stewart to quickly extend the Giants’ lead to 3-1.

Things got feisty after that with Belfast’s Derrick Walser and Coventry’s Liam Stewart clashing to both take penalties for roughing.

A Blair Riley goal from a Walser assist then put the Giants into a comfortable 4-1 lead over the visiting Blaze with one period left to play.

And there were more angry exchanges, with Matt Nickerson dropping the gloves against Garrett Klotz and, only minutes later, Colin Shields ending up in a brawl with David Clements.

David Clements and Colin Shields both took five-minute penalties for fighting, although Shields ended up leaving the box to head off down the tunnel. Credit: Presseye

But, with no more goals to come, the Giants ran out the 4-1 winners - getting their own back over the Blaze and splitting the weekend points with them.

The crowd roared their approval as the hosts celebrated, with Jeff Mason named Man of the Match for the Giants.

The home coach hailed his team for turning things around after Friday's defeat and the result boosts the Belfast side into third in the Elite League standings.

The Belfast Giants celebrate on the ice. Credit: Presseye

The Belfast Giants are in next in action when they face the Braehead Clan at the SSE Arena on Saturday, with face-off at 7pm.