EIHL Preview: Clan at Giants – 21 September 2013

In the second of two home games against Gardner Conference opponents, the Belfast Giants take to the ice against the Braehead Clan for the first time this season. Looking to bounce back from a disappointing 5-0 home defeat to the Coventry Blaze, Paul Adey’s side are hoping to retain their place atop Challenge Cup Group A in this, their third game of the competition.

Last season Braehead proved a stumbling block on the Giants faltering league campaign and with Ryan Finnerty now at the helm of the Clan, Adam Keefe will be hoping the latest incumbents in teal will regain the fight that proved fruitful in the opening weekend of the season.

Key to this will be the Giants core of British players. Kevin Phillips will face of against his former side for the first time. Returning to the Giants, Kevin stands on the blueline alongside his brother David. Both have proved to be a strong talent as British defencemen and Adey hopes their work will continue to shut down attacks on Stephen Murphy’s goal.

While going forward, Colin Shield and Mark Garside have established their CVs as two of the strongest Scottish players in the EIHL. Robbie Brown and Gareth Roberts continue to develop their talent and add that local talent so important to the Belfast Giants.

With Dundee and Braehead rolling into to town this weekend, both will prove an early and stern test for the Belfast Giants against Gardner conference teams who are going from strength to strength this season.

The Clan come into the game with high hopes off the back of a good win in Cardiff, and have a better record against the Giants at the Odyssey that at Braehead.

Clan contributor: Michael McLaughlin