Review of the decade... Part One.

So as the year 2009 draws to a close and the clock gets ready to tick over to 2010 and a fresh new decade, it is scary to think back and wonder where the time has gone. Just ten short years ago the fear was of the millenium bug, computers crashing, bank records being lost and a fear of meltdown.

How trivial these things are now that we have the Giants to worry about instead. Part of those Millenium celebrations ten years ago were, of course, Belfast's Millenium project - the Odyssey Arena, the likes of which Belfast had never seen before. As an anchor tenant, the Belfast Giants ice hockey team was to come into existence and play in the UK's Ice Hockey Superleague containing teams from all over the islands.

Some of us were encouraged along by curiosity - what is this new sport? What does this new shiny arena look like inside? Tickets were nigh on impossible to lay hands on. For me, I believe it was the second ever home game in the Odyssey was my first. My lasting impression being not of the hits, but the speed and skill of the skating and the fact these guys could fall over and regain their footing in the blink of an eye.

Season 2 was where it really all began for me. I'd been to a couple of games in the first year, but with shift work and the difficulty of getting tickets, it wasn't as easy for me to go. But who can forget that season 2 team? Berlin came to visit for a pre season Ice Cup tournament, beginning a relationship between the fans that continues today and starting the tradition of the drummers along with the naming of "Berlin Corner" in the O. The league started with a humping at home by London, a result of 3-9 which still stands as the Giants' worst loss. At the end of that game did we ever see how things would go? The Ruff, Riehl, Berens line tearing up the league which was all but over by Christmas and finally a 2-2 draw in Bracknell on January 19th 2002 saw Belfast claim its first league championship.

Such success, despite a damp end to the season meant many players left getting offers to go to bigger leagues in Continental Europe - Jason Ruff heading to Germany, Berens to Switzerland for example. Season 3 was difficult. Financial problems around the league saw both Ayr and Manchester Storm fold mid season. The somber atmosphere in the O as the Storm played out what was their last game is hard to forget for those who were there. This left just five teams in the ISL, and after a poor start, the Giants were to finish second, just 1 point behind Sheffield.

The kick start to the campaign was easily the Giants participation, as ISL champions, in the European Continental Cup. The qualifying round was held in the Odyssey with Valerenga, Rouen and EC Linz as the other competitiors. The Giants picked up wins on the Friday and Saturday night, including 3-0 and 8-0 shut out wins with the back up goalie Colin Ryder in top form, form he carried into what was the decider against Austrian side Linz Black Wings. A thoroughly tense game ended with the Giants winning 5-3 and qualifying for the finals! This meant a trip to Lugano - a trip considered by many to be a highlight of their Giants supporting careers! An opening game loss was followed up by a fantastic win over HC Davos with starter Ryan Bach on top form. A loss to Bratislava, this time in Milan was a let down, but failed to dampen what was a superb trip. This momentum continued and the Giants made it to the playoff finals weekend for the first time. Due to the shrinking of the league, the playiff format was elongated and this seemed to suit the Giants.

An epic goal tending battle in the semi final against Sheffield ended with a 0-0 draw after over time, and went to the dreaded penalty shots. In skated Kevin Riehl and up popped the waterbottle sending the Giants to a final against the London Knights. Shane Johnson was the hero of the final, potting 2 goals and Dave Matsos hit the empty net to seal it as the London Knights went down 5-3, adding a 2nd championship in just 3 seasons of Giants hockey.

From such a high, little did we know how close the lows were.. Reports of financial trouble with the Giants hit the front pages of the local papers. Would there even be a season 4? The ISL collapsed also, and the Elite League was born with restriction in import players and a much lower salary cap. London Knights disappeared and were replaced by a new team in London, the Racers. Bracknell went to the British National League, while Cardiff Devils returned to the top league, and Coventry and Basingstoke joined them. Many were happy to see the Giants ice a team at all, and despite the financial trouble, early signs were competitive including a then record 10-4 away win at Basingstoke where local lad Chris McGimpsey made his first appearance in goal. Other local lads Mark Morrison, Gareth Martin and Graeme Walton were on full time contracts for the first time. Successful coach Dave Whislte moved to Germany and was replaced by player coach Rob Stewart.

Despite a strong start, form fell off and a 4th place finish and failure to make the playoffs was all the Giants could manage. The end of this season was notable however for other reasons - long time Giants Colin Ward and Paxton Schulte decided to retire. Both had joined the team from the beginning and had given their all. Schulte was seen by many as the face of the franchise, and despite a poor final season, was missed by many and has arguably never been replaced.

Season 5 saw Tony Hand, a legend of British ice hockey, replace Rob Stewart as player coach. Once more the Giants put in a strong push for the title with a vastly new squad due to the retirements the season before. Other notable signings were goalie Martin Klempa and DMan Roman Gavalier along with forward Fredrik Nasvall, the first non North American import signings adding a more cosmopolitan feel to the side. An attempt to replace Schulte was made witht he signing of minor league tough guy Mel Angelstad. This was the season of the NHL lockout, with other clubs in the EIHL managing to pick up some current NHL players. One of these was Eric Cairns who went to London, and at centre ice Belfast's fight fans were treated to an NHL caliber bout as Angelstad and Cairns went toe to toe in a memorable battle. In the same game, Scott Nichol was taught a lesson by a young kid from Milton Keynes as Leigh Jamieson sent him to the changing room with a beautiful shiner.

The league title almost came down to the final weekend and a potential double header at home to Coventry to fight for the title. However the Blaze claimed the title due to consistent success in their home rink and the O over the Giants and it was just too much for the Giants to do in the end. The now traditional end of season flop continued as, once more, the fans flew to Nottingham for playoffs without a team to support...

Hopefully this review has rekindled some find memories, tune in shortly for part 2 of the review of the decade including Theo, more titles, and more controversy!

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