Kingdom Of The Giants :: Belfast Giants Fan Community, News & Views
Charity Begins At Home
25-Aug-2010 | Discuss this ArticleCoventry Blaze v Belfast Giants - Live from 7.15pm
Evan Cheverie struck the last puck of the 2009/10 season. It rifled by Stevie Lyle and into the roof of the Cardiff Devils net. So sealed the Elite League Playoff Title for the Belfast Giants in their 10th competitive season.
Almost 5 months from that day and the memories of Colin Shields holding the Playoff Trophy above his head at the NIC still linger strongly in the minds of the fans. However the clock ticks down to a new season for the Giants and one that brings great excitement to the shores of Northern Ireland
A new coach, new players, a new title sponsor, new shirts and 2 new league opponents hold great opportunities for the Giants, and in little over a months time the visit of one of the games most historic teams brings anticipation levels to fever pitch.
And it all begins tonight. New coach Doug Christiansen brings his freshly constructed Giants side to Warwickshire. The League Champions are the opponenet and the Charity Shield the spoils.
Paul Thompson has once again put together a strong side. While some names remain, Soderstrom, Cowley, Carlson Owen, Weaver to name but a few, “Thommo” has beefed up his side with some strong positional players, some known, not least former (if brief) Belfast Giant and Scottish Eagle Sean Selmser, some not so known, the name Brad Zanon catches the eye. But one overall consistency remains and that is Thompson.
Christiansen, however, has created what has been widely regarded as one of the leagues strongest, if not arguably the strongest side, 6 months of league combat will decide that. Names like Gleed, Mason and Seeley add to a defense already boasting returning talent in Cook and Walton. Stephen Murphy will hope to improve on a career season and show everyone that saves like that executed live on Sky Sports against Max Birbraer in the Playoff Final Penalty Shoot Out, are no fluke.
Giants also don’t lack fire power. Last seasons Elite League MVP, Colin Shields and his British counterpart Craig Peacock are joined by the much sought after Mark Garside, formerly of the Edinburgh Capitals, to form a strong attacking British core. Colin Hemmingway, another former Capital, returns to the Elite League to keep his high scoring reputation intact. While Brandon Benedict, his season mildly blighted by injury last season, returns with a point to prove.
A mere selection of names that will all become more familiar as the season progresses. Tonight, with a few omissions, they take to the ice for the first time.
The Giants training camp only began on Monday. With little over a week until the season proper begins in Nottingham, Christiansen will look to the leaders to show their ability. It may only be a friendly. But the fans will want a marker placed in the sand for the season to come.
Live Coverage of tonights game is available for free on UK Hockey Live from 7.15pm, Face off at 7.30pm
Patrick Smyth
Live Scores
Last Game
- Sat 14 Jan
- vs Blaze, W 4-3
- Giants Goals: Lloyd, Rebek, Dowd, Clarke
- Blaze Goals: McLean, Guthrie, Fussey
League Standings
| P | TEAM | GP | W(OT) | L(OT) | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giants | 35 | 28(0) | 4(3) | 59 |
| 2 | Panthers | 35 | 25(0) | 8(2) | 52 |
| 3 | Steelers | 29 | 25(0) | 4(0) | 50 |
| 4 | Blaze | 34 | 22(0) | 12(0) | 44 |
| 5 | Devils | 33 | 18(0) | 8(7) | 43 |
| 6 | Clan | 32 | 19(0) | 12(1) | 39 |
| 7 | Capitals | 34 | 11(0) | 20(3) | 25 |
| 8 | Stingrays | 35 | 9(0) | 22(4) | 22 |
| 9 | Stars | 34 | 5(0) | 25(4) | 14 |
| 10 | Flyers | 31 | 4(0) | 23(4) | 12 |
Giants' Stat Leaders
| Points | Craig Peacock | 41 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Robert Dowd | 16 |
| Assists | Mark Garside | 28 |
| PIM | Adam Keefe | 164 |