Giants complete perfect cup group stage

Photo: William Cherry

Belfast Giants finished the Challenge Cup Group Stage unbeaten, beating Glasgow Clan 5-2 to give them a 6-0-0-0 record in the competition this season.

The opening period ended scoreless, but wasn't without drama as Jackson Whistle had to leave the home side's net injured off a play where Mike Pelech was penalised for goalie interference, and also dropped the gloves with Charlie Curti.

Giants captain Mark Cooper needed only 60 seconds to open the scoring with a goal that was quickly checked for a high stick on video review. Greg Printz fired low past Jake Kielly at 30:32 to double the home side's advantage.

Jake Bolton got Clan back into things with a powerplay goal 66 seconds into period three, but a Ciaran Long response, his third goal in two games, effectively put the game to bed with just under 12 minutes to play. Ben Lake made it 4-1 at 52:32, although Philippe Sanche finished nicely to bring Clan back to within two with 3:10 to go. John Curran hit the empty net from his own zone to sound things off with 85 seconds left on the clock.