Steve Thornton's Giants have made a great start to the season

Belfast Giants continued their brilliant start to the season by beating Basingstoke Bison 6-3 in Wednesday evening's Elite League clash.

Goals from Bobby Robins, Shane Johnson and Colin Shields gave the Giants a 3-0 lead by the 26th minute.

Brad Cruickshank pulled a goal back for Bison but Tyler Howells and Paul Deniset then struck for the Giants.

Ross Bowers and Cruickshank replied to leave only two goals in it but Howells' second goal made the game safe.

The win means the Giants have claimed victories in their opening five games of the season and they are now join Nottingham Panthers on the top of the Elite League table.

In contrast, Basingstoke are struggling at the wrong end of the table, with just one point from their opening five games.