Summer signings Andrew Martin and Bobby Robins made an immediate impact for Belfast Giants in Saturday's 5-3 Elite League win over Cardiff.

Martin notched a hat-trick on the opening night of the season while Robins hit the Giants' other two goals.

Martin put the Giants ahead in the first period but Mike Prpich and Jason Silverthorn replied for the Devils.

Two goals from Martin moved the Giants ahead only for Brad Voth to level but Robins struck twice in the last period.

The result in front of an enthusiastic crowd was a good start for new Giants player-coach Steve Thornton who was returning to the Belfast colours after an absence of five years.

Ontario native Martin and Wisconsin man Robins were among six Giants players who were playing at the Odyssey Arena for the first time.

The Giants will be back in action on Sunday night in a Challenge Cup game away to Edinburgh Capitals (1800 BST) while Cardiff will be at home to Sheffield in an Elite League contest (1800).