Cup defence starts strong for Belfast Giants in Scotland

The Belfast Giants got off to a strong start as they began their Challenge Cup defence with back-to-back games in Scotland over the weekend.

Adam Keefe’s side travelled to take on the Dundee Stars on Saturday in what was their first competitive game of the new season.

It came after convincing wins for the new-look Giants in pre-season exhibition games against the Manitoba Bisons back in Belfast.

And the positive vibes around the team and their new signings continued in Scotland.

There was a Man of the Match performance from new Giants netminder Tyler Beskorowany.

Meanwhile, goals from returnees Jim Vandermeer and David Rutherford and a brace from new signing Kyle Baun sealed the 4-2 win against the Stars.

Then it was off to face the Fife Flyers on Sunday, when Darcy Murphy – in his second season with the Giants - proved to be the hattrick hero.

Murphy grabbed a goal in every period and the Giants looked on course for a shutout, only for the Flyers to get a late consolation goal from Scott Aarssen.

Giants forward Jonathan Boxill, returning to the side after one season with the Milton Keynes Lightning, ended up racking up 17 penalty minutes for one incident in the middle period.

He took exception to a late hit on teammate Jim Vandermeer by Fife’s Danick Gautier.

And Boxy dropped the gloves against Gautier, only to be deemed the fight instigator.

The Giants still took the 4-1 win though and will be hoping to capitalise on a good weekend of action when they take to the ice back in Belfast for their opening competitive home game.

They will continue their Challenge Cup campaign, hosting the Dundee Stars at the SSE Arena on Friday at 7pm, followed by the Glasgow Clan at 7pm on Saturday.