Giants into cup final as hosts

Photo: William Cherry

Defending Viaplay Challenge Cup Champions Belfast Giants will be back in the final this season after coming through 6-3 on aggregate against Guildford Flames over two legs. As the highest-seeded team from the group stage, the Giants will host the event at the SSE Arena.

Guildford made the Giants work for their place in the final, however. Despite coming into things 4-0 down on aggregate, Jordan Klimek put them ahead when he bundled the puck over the line in close with 4:47 played. Logan Fredericks scored shorthanded at 25:48 to halve the aggregate deficit for Paul Dixon's team. 

However, a Mark Cooper goal just 13 seconds into period three gave the Giants some breathing room again, and despite Ryan Tait putting the visitors 3-1 up on the night with 2:16 to play, a David Goodwin empty netter at 58:03 sealed the deal for Belfast.