A Weekend of Fire and Steel!

Steelers v Giants

Steelers 5-2 Giants. As it happened: Click Here

Giants 1 Blaze 2 AOT

The Coors Belfast Giants this weekend face two teams who have had ups and downs in the last few weeks. Tonight sees the visit of the Coventry Blaze to the Odyssey Arena for the second time this season, but the first league encounter of the season on our fair shores.

Since the 1-1 draw at the Odyssey in the Challenge Cup that eliminated the Coventry Blaze from the competition, the Blaze have been looking for revenge. The game was shrouded in controversy given the "Cup-Tied" players iced by the Giants. However the EIHL turned down Coventry's appeal and they arrive tonight with the ambition to take 2 points and go clear top of the EIHL, ahead of the Cardiff Devils.

The Blaze have accumulated 22 goals in their last 4 games showing no lack in fire power. Since returning from their European trip to Denmark the Blaze struggled to regain their form from the the seasons first few weeks, losing back to back games in mid-november to Newcastle and an astonishing loss in Edinburgh. However Paul Thompsons side has once again come to form, winning an eventful top of the table clash with the Cardiff Devils last weekend on Penalty shots, having regained the lead of the game through 2 Shorthanded goals within a minute.

Ed Courtenay will be hoping his sides defense is strengthened this weekend by the return of Trevor Johnson from injury. This, however, leaves the Giants coach with the dilemma of too many imports to ice given the EIHL regulation of 10. In an article in today's Belfast Telegraph Courtenay talks about the decision he has to make given the return of both Johnson and long-time absentee Roman Gavalier;

"Someone, whoever it may be, even if it is someone who isn't injured, will have to come out and sit for six games and then I will have to think about it again."

With the Giants currently in a good run of form this will be a tough decision for Courtenay and one that will keep the fans guessing right up until face-off.

On Sunday the Giants travel to Sheffield for the first time this season to face David Matsos's Steelers side who have only lost 1 game of the 6 since their 5-3 defeat to the Giants in the Odyssey Arena. The Steelers mid week 4-4 draw in the Challenge Cup Semi-Final away to Cardiff has set them on the road to silverware this season, however in League competition they have had an up and down few months. Their last league game was a 2-1 defeat to the Manchester Phoenix in Altringham and while currently sitting 4th in the table, to retain their ambitions of challenging for the title, there can be no slip ups.

Giants v Steelers games in any competition have always been entertaining affairs and this weekend promises to be no different. Both sides will see this game as an essential win to springboard into December and the packed Christmas schedule. The Steelers looking to stay in the hunt, while the Giants looking to further their ascent of the League table following their poor start.

This weekend you can keep up to date on all the Giants games through all means of media. I'll be here tonight with the KotG Text Commentary, Coverage beginning at 6.30pm. You will also be able to join Nigel and Wayne for the Live Webcast from the Odyssey Arena, Price will be £3.30, click here for more details. And as always you'll get all the live "iceweb style" stats of the game through those kind souls at ih-update.co.uk.

On Sunday I'll be in the Sheffield Arena for the game and Aaron will be here with you relaying the information direct to your screen with the KotG Text Commentary.. it promises to be fun with a few photographs of drunk revelers... not me of course... no no... I'm driving....

Patrick Smyth

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