The Coors Belfast Giants begin a run of six consecutive home games tonight. Beginning with the Newcastle Vipers, who incidentally also close the run on 7th January.
The Elite League leaders will also play host to Nottingham, Coventry, Sheffield and Basingstoke over the festive period as they hope to further put their stamp on the title race.
The Newcastle Vipers, sitting in third position in the EIHL, had mixed fortunes last weekend. Losing to the Bison, yet picking up the 2 points against the off form Coventry Blaze. They return to the Odyssey arena with a few personnel changes since their last visit. The main being the replacing of Mel “The Mangler” Anglestad with former London Racers tough guy Jeremy Cornish
In what promises to be a hard hitting and interesting game following the EIHL’s implementation of new fighting rules along side a more strict approach to Clutching and Grabbing in the game. The Vipers will come hoping to reap revenge for their previous defeats at the hands of the Giants, the Newcastle side have only picked up one point from Ed Courtenay’s side, an OT loss in their Metro Radio Arena at the seasons beginning.
The Giants however are on a run of 7 games unbeaten and will be looking to capitalise on their good run of form. Anything less than two points tonight will be a disappointment to the players and to the expectant Odyssey crowd.
| P | TEAM | GP | W(OT) | L(OT) | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giants | 54 | 46(0) | 5(3) | 95 |
| 2 | Steelers | 54 | 41(0) | 11(2) | 84 |
| 3 | Panthers | 54 | 38(0) | 12(4) | 80 |
| 4 | Devils | 54 | 32(0) | 12(10) | 74 |
| 5 | Blaze | 54 | 32(0) | 20(2) | 66 |
| 6 | Clan | 54 | 31(0) | 19(4) | 66 |
| 7 | Stingrays | 54 | 16(0) | 34(4) | 36 |
| 8 | Stars | 54 | 13(0) | 35(6) | 32 |
| 9 | Capitals | 54 | 13(0) | 37(4) | 30 |
| 10 | Flyers | 54 | 8(0) | 40(6) | 22 |
| Points | Robert Dowd | 78 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Robert Dowd | 40 |
| Assists | Craig Peacock | 49 |
| PIM | Adam Keefe | 247 |