The Giants got their road weekend off to a fantastic start with a win over BNL side Hull Stingrays. It strengthens the Giants position at the top of the league but the title race is still extremely close. The Giants should take the momentum of the win into tomorrow nights clash against the Newcastle Vipers whom the Giants beat at the Odyssey on New Years Day.

The game was tight throughout but the Giants made the most of their chances when they came. The first big chance was midway through the first period on the 13 minute mark when George Awada shot the Giants ahead. Big George has been on remarkable form of late in front of goal.

The second period took nearly as long as the first period before a goal was produced and this time it came from high scoring defenseman, Shane Johnson who scored while the Giants where short handed when Fred Nasval was in serving a penalty call. Tony Hand and Shane Johnson picked up the assists.

The Giants put the game beyond reach after 37 minutes when assistant coach Curtis Bowen made it 3-0 with Johnson picking up his second assist of the night and defenseman Roman Gavallier picking up the other point.

Hull Stingrays 1-3 Belfast Giants

Stingrays: Alipov 39:55.
Giants: Awada (pp) 13:42, Kelman (sh) 32:14, C.Bowen 37:06.

Lines:
Huppe – Hand – Awada
Johnson – C.Bowen – Nasval
Kelly – Levers – Morrison

Kelman – Gavalier
Angelstad – J.Bowen
Jamieson – Walton

Tonight is a huge night for local boy Chris McGimpsey. He has only been in this position once before in his professional career – starting a game for the Belfast Giants.

This one however comes with a difference though. Giant’s number one starter and superstar Martin Klempa is out with a one game suspension for a kicking penalty he picked up against Basingstoke in the previous game.

It is also the first time Chris has started against Elite League opposition and with the league being so close and into the final half of the season nobody needs to tell Chris how important this game is but the players and coach Tony Hand have his backing and are fully confidant he can do a super job.