REPORT: Clan victory ends Giants winning run
by Blair McNally
It was a night to remember for Glasgow Clan sponsored by Aspray Glasgow West as an emphatic third period performance ensured a 3-1 victory over the Belfast Giants, ending their 11-game unbeaten run..
Nolan Laporte’s equaliser early in the third cancelled out the visitor’s opener before Mathieu Roy and Cody Sol’s empty netter ensured the two points stayed in Glasgow.
As expected, it was a fast start to proceedings as the home side displayed the stronger attacking threat, looking to claim their first win over the Giants this season.
The last result between the sides saw the visitors cruise to a 5-1 victory on Boxing Day at the SSE Arena in Belfast.
The first chance of the match came for Malcolm Cameron’s men as Mikko Vainonen’s speculative shot flew goal bound but Jackson Whistle was equal to it as the effort deflected stick side.
As the game kicked into life the physicality of both sides became evident. This resulted in a scuffle between Cody Sol and Tyler Soy but the officials were quick to bring the hustle to a halt.
Despite a strong start for the Clan, it was the visitors who took the lead in the seventh minute when a scramble in front of goal saw the puck land at the feet of David Goodwin leaving him the simple task of back handing into an empty net.
A huge hit from Jordan Boucher on Colin Campbell led to a minor brawl as Sol took centre stage to defend his teammate, with no penalties given.
The second period proved to be less eventful as the home side were pinned pack into their own half, defending resolutely.
With eight minutes gone in the second, it was very nearly two. Coasting in from the left, Lewis Hook took the puck into his stride before slapping onto the post as the home side continued to defend the narrow margin.
The game was flipped on its head in the third as the Purple Army came out all guns blazing.
With 15 minutes remaining the Clan were given a lifeline on the powerplay as the Giants were reduced to three.
Taking full advantage, the home side levelled within a minute as Laporte picked up on a loose puck from Mitch Jones’ strike to slam home at the backdoor.
Minutes later, Clan fans were in dreamland as they raced into a 2-1 lead on a breakaway as Mathieu Roy surged forward, collecting the puck on the blue line from LaPorte before dekeing the goalie to backhand into the Giants goal.
A late push from the Giants was not to be enough as they emptied their net leaving Sol the simple task of finishing into the Giants goal from deep inside his own half to clinch victory.
