Hockey Time in Belfast!

Powderhornhockey
Ok, hockey fans in North America this is the day to get your errands done early for it is the season opener for the Belfast Giants today at 19:00 hours Belfast time or 14:00 hours Chicago time. (2:00 pm for those not on military time) . The Giants will be taking on the Nottingham Panthers in Nottingham.

There are new reasons for local interest in the Giants this season first is the Phillips brothers. David Phillips late of the Giants has inked a contract with the American Hockey League affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks the Rockford Icehogs. His brother Kevin Phillips has taken his place on the Belfast roster. Second Sean McMorrow long time AHL enforcer and member of last years Icehog line up is now a Giant. Obviously there is a bit of a Rockford and Belfast connection brewing, something this writer and photographer is very happy to see.

For those not lucky enough to have caught the flight last night at O'Hare the game will be Web Cast link at right just like last year. Unlike last season there is a nominal fee, to the hockey starved, McMorrow fans or just plain Giants fans it is well worth the price.

Giants roster for tonight's game is as follows:

4 Shane Johnson
31 Stephen Murphy
72 Pierre-Luc Faubert
41 George Awada
8 Tim Cook
71 Craig Peacock
32 Robbie Brown
16 Steve Thornton
7 Kevin Phillips
9 Evan Cheverie
26 Brandon Benedict
20 Mark Morrison
6 Tom Walsh
19 Colin Shields
23 Sean McMorrow
18 Graeme Walton
5 Michael Jacobsen
1 Nathan Craze
15 Pat Bateman

Notice something? 19 names, one of things that first caught my eye about this league was that like the old United Hockey League team rosters were small. Simply put these players skate their hearts out. With a small team and the big ice they play on conditioning and skating skill becomes a key factor in the game from the start of the season, the way it should be. It will be interesting to see how the addition of Sean McMorrow fits into a league where each player has to be flexible in his role. McMorrow when playing in the AHL filled the role of enforcer beautifully, but not as a goal scorer. I am looking forward to seeing how player coach Steve Thornton uses McMorrow's on ice skills to the Giant's advantage.

On a personal note, there are reports that beloved Giants mascot Gordie is in hospital possibly with H1N1, get well soon, Powderhornhockey's thoughts are with you.

Here we go, GAME ON!