Kingdom Of The Giants :: Belfast Giants Fan Community, News & Views
Let The (Pre-Season) Games Begin
26-Aug-2011 | Discuss this ArticleBelfast Giants v Nottingham Panthers – Preview
With the Belfast Giants opening the season next week against the reigning league champions, the Sheffield Steelers, this weekend sees a 2-game series of pre-season fixtures against the only other team last season to pick up major honours, the Cup-Double wining Nottingham Panthers.
Doug Christiansen has completed his recruitment for the season and could not hope for a sterner early test of his side. Corey Neilson and Rick Strachan have retained the core of the side whose last action was to lift the playoff trophy in front of their home fans. Jeff Heerema, David Beauregard, and Guillaume Lapine all return to wear the Black and Gold. This is accompanied by a strong core of British talent along the lines of David Clarke, Stephen Lee and Club captain Danny Meyers to name a few.
But a lot of Odyssey eyes will be on former Giants hero Brandon Benedict who made that most unpopular of trades, across the Irish Sea to the National Ice Centre. Benedict returns to the arena in which he was a key part of the team that were responsible for the Playoff winning banner that hangs from the rafters. The will be interest as to how his return will be greeted.
Benedict spoke briefly of his time at the Giants with the Nottingham Evening Post stating:
Unfortunately, I had two injuries in Belfast, which wasn't too great, personally and for the team. But that's hockey for you.
It's strange that my first game for Nottingham will be in Belfast. It will be interesting going back there so soon after leaving.
The Giants will be hoping to put up a good early show for the fans, setting a marker down in two games against the team noted to be a main contender for the league title.
Christiansen has had the new Giants in training since Monday, regular posts appearing from many of the players and the organisation on twitter and various other social network outputs.
Belfast Giants face the Nottingham Panthers at 7pm on Saturday and 4pm on Sunday. Tickets still available from the Odyssey Arena Box Office. Tel: 028 9073 9074
Patrick Smyth
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League Standings
| 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 |
Giants' Stat Leaders
| Points | Robert Dowd | 78 |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Robert Dowd | 40 |
| Assists | Craig Peacock | 49 |
| PIM | Adam Keefe | 247 |