BBC SPORT | Other Sports | Giants open up with victory

Belfast Giants 2-1 Troja Ljungby

The Belfast Giants gave themselves a great chance of winning the BT Belfast Ice Cup with a 2-1 win over Swedish visitors Troja Ljungby on Friday night.

The Giants are preparing to defend their Superleague title with a new-look team and they got the season off to an ideal start with a hard-fought victory.

The first period was scoreless, but it was not for the want of trying by either side.

David Matsos went close early on and returning hero Kory Karlander shot just wide for the Giants.

At the other end Troja were testing the Giants new goaltender Ryan Bach and he proved up to the challenge with several good stops.

The Giants took the lead just one minute 47 seconds into the second period.

Paxton Schulte (white) of Belfast sends Patrik Windback of Troja Ljungby flying
Paxton Schulte sends Patrik Windback flying

Paxton Schulte fought for the puck behind the goal and fed it out for Colin Ward to fire it into the net from close range.

The lead lasted just 15 seconds, however, as Troja got back on level terms with a well-taken effort from Andreas Wass.

The Giants still managed to finish the second period in front.

New signing Paul Kruse, who made his physical presence felt throughout the game, set up Karlander for a sweet strike past the Swedish goaltender.

Schulte came within a whisker of scoring an empty net goal in the last minute as Troja pulled their goaltender in an attempt to salvage a draw.

Earlier Sodertalje of Sweden started the tournament in rousing fashion with a 7-0 route of French side Mulhouse.

Saturday sees the Giants face Mulhouse before the Swedes go into battle against each other.


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