The Belfast Giants are aiming to give the struggling Superleague a boost by reaching the Continental Cup finals this weekend.

The Superleague champions face Norwegians Valerenga IF, EC Linz of Austria and French outfit Rouen over the three-day semi-final round at their own Odyssey Arena.

Rouen were late replacements for the Scottish Eagles who recently went out of business.

With Eagles and Manchester Storm forced to withdraw from the Superleague, leaving just five teams in Britain's elite, the Belfast side can provide a bit of happier news.

'Positive news'

"We really want to do well and progress to the finals, especially after all the negative things that have happened to the league this year," said Giants coach Dave Whistle.

"It will be a privilege to represent Belfast and the Superleague and hopefully we can bring some positive news."

Valerenga enter the tournament in a rich vein of form, leading the Norwegian table having won 14 out of 15 games this season.

EC Linz, along with Belfast, are a good bet to reach the final eight and are currently second in their domestic table.

French side Rouen took advantage of Eagles' demise by replacing them having finished runners-up to the Scottish side in the previous round.

They lie third in their league and hope to capitalise on their second chance.