2009 got underway in the usual right fashion for the Giants in a 3-1 win over the Manchester Phoenix. Goals came by the way of Ceverie, Awada and Thornton while Lyle, who picked up the man of the match, fell two-minutes shy of a shutout.

The win gave the Giant their 9th straight win in opening games of a new year. In 9 attempts the team have won all nine, eight of which have been played at home, with a total record of 44 goals for and just 13 against.

If the team win their game-in-hand over Sheffield and Nottingham above them they will move to two points behind the Panthers and seven behind the Steelers. It is a lot to make up over the last half of the season but not impossible. A good winning run will keep the team right in the title race but more ugly wins like the one last night will be the most important thing.

Giants record in new year games:

4th January 2001 – Belfast Giants 4 v 2 Newcastle Jesters
4th January 2002 – Belfast Giants 8 v 1 Sheffield Steelers
3rd January 2003 – Belfast Giants 7 v 2 London Knights
3rd January 2004 – Belfast Giants 3 v 1 Cardiff Devils
1st January 2005 – Belfast Giants 6 v 3 Newcastle Vipers
2nd January 2006 – Edinburgh Capitals 2 v 7 Belfast Giants
13th January 2007 – Belfast Giants 4 v 0 Cardiff Devils
5th January 2008 – Belfast Giants 2 v 1 Nottingham Panthers
3rd January 2009 – Belfast Giants 3 v 1 Manchester Phoenix

On the subject: Facts and Info, Manchester Phoenix, Stevie Lyle | ALL SUBJECTS |

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