Belfast Giants Drop Home Opener To Sheffield 3:2 in Shoot Out!

The boys of Belfast worked HARD last night putting 30 shots at Sheffield nettie Kevin Rieter to Sheffield's 22 drilled at Belfast's Nathan Craze but it would not be enough for a win. Both teams would hit the net for goals during the first period, Sheffield taking advantage of George Awada's second penalty of the night to gain that all important first goal advantage. Then with moments to go in the period Pierre-Luc Faubert found the back of Sheffield's net to tie the score, new game.

Second period as described by the Belfast Giants was an "revolving door" of penalties. The league statics show a game total a balanced 18minutes for 9 infractions for Belfast and 20 minutes for 10 infractions for the Steelers. What will show every time is the ability to capitalize on the power play and a rock solid penalty kill. Teams can talk about power play but the plain fact is they have to also have a deadly penalty kill in their pocket too. The first month of the season is often a "shake down" period of assessment of team needs, this is obviously something shaking down for the Giants.

Third period action started fast and furious with Scott Basiuk putting the Steelers a head with a PP goal at 4:10 into the period . Not to be denied the home crowd went crazy when Tim Cook evened the score for Belfast at 8:14. The game would end in a tie in regulation and ultimately with a Sheffield victory in a shoot out.

Today at 13:00 hours Central(Chicago) time the Giants and Steelers will face off again, this time in Sheffield. There will be no webcast of the game, updates are available from the league or the Belfastgiants.com.

There is good news to share! As was reported earlier in the season Giants mascot Gordy was hospitalized with the H!N! virus. He has been released and is now recovering at home. Everyone at Powderhornhockey wishes him a full and speedy recovery, lots of chicken soup for you!

Giants remain on top of the Causeway!

Powderhornhockey
The Belfast Giants are another step closer to the EIHL championship today with a win over the always scrappy Sheffield Steelers 5:3 on home ice. Stevie Lyle was in goal for the Giants. Lyle was not only in great form, turning away 45 shots but was also favored with amazing luck for the night. There were several shots made by the Steelers offence that defied understanding how they didn't make it to the back of the net. Some days it just pays to get out of bed, Stevie, oh where did you hide that horse shoe?

The Giants continue to have all of their home games webcast for free. You can find the link at the right, it is both Mac and Windows friendly. It is remarkable that the owners of the Giants have made it possible for fans all over the world to watch the team gratis. The only problem, week day games occur in the midst of a work day, hummmmm how to explain to the boss that there is a Irish hockey game on the work computer in the middle of the day?

This photog and Giants fan is open to suggestions.