Saturday: Giants face defending CHL champions

Photo: Elmeri Elo, ElonKuvaus

Belfast Giants are back in Champions Hockey League action today, less than 24 hours after narrowly losing their opening game on the road in Rauma.

The Giants took the lead against Lukko in Finland midway through the game before eventually going down 3-1 in a game where they perhaps deserved to take at least a point. Tyler Beskorowany stopped 23 of 25 shots, while Greg Printz was the Giants' scorer.

"It was our first meaningful game, and I thought the guys responded well," began Head Coach Adam Keefe after the loss in Rauma, "We fatigued a little bit in the second period maybe, but overall played a good game.

"The margin for error is small in the CHL, we played a great game and I thought we were unlucky not to get something out of it. We have to make sure we're smart every time we're out there, make smart plays, and cut down on the scoring chances we give up. "

Tappara opened their CHL campaign with an overtime win in Aalborg, Denmark. They secured their first CHL title last season.

"The Giants have been a top team for many, many years. Their assistant coach played in the same university as me," revealed Head Coach Rikard Grönborg ahead of the game. "Sheldon Keefe’s brother is the Head Coach, so I am expecting a physical, hardworking and straight-thinking team."

The game, which will be played at the impressive Nokia Arena in Tampere, stats at 3pm is is available on Viaplay.