Giants score OT winner to win Challenge Cup!

Photo: William Cherry

Belfast Giants beat Cardiff Devils in overtime to secure the 2022 Premier Sports Challenge Cup in front of 7,319 spectators at the SSE ARena, Belfast.

The Giants bossed period one, outshooting the Devils 12-5 but without a breakthrough for either side with each having one powerplay chance in a nervy yet high-paced opening 20 minutes.

Period two was where the game changed. Cardiff took the lead when the home side give the puck away in their own zone, and Jake Coughler gladly fired home for the game's first goal at 24:31. After killing two minors, the Devils doubled their lead at 34:38. Coughler's fine saucer pass across the front of Tyler Beskorowany's net was smashed home by Cole Sanford to put the visitors in charge.

The game turned back level in a three-minute spell at the beginning of period three. Tyler Soy batted home a rebound from a Lewis Hook shot to bring the Giants back to within one at 42:13, and at 45:08 the SSE Arena erupted when David goodwin scored in the slot to tie things up.

4:18 into overtime, a combination of Lewis Hook and Ben Lake scrambled the puck over the line from close range to give the Giants the golden goal to spark wild scenes of celebration!