Belfast take leg one 5-2

Giants 5-2 Stars

The atmosphere was electric from both sets of fans after the Giants were given an amazing reception after being announced as League winners. 

The Giants went ahead through Jordan Kawaguchi at 5:11. Bobo Carpenter had his shot saved by Jarrett Fiske, however Kawaguchi was there to follow up and put the Giants a goal up.

The Stars levelled the game at 14:54 through Kyle Pouncy. A shot from the right circle found its way past an unsighted Jackson Whistle and into the roof of the net. 

The Stars couldn’t capitalise on the powerplay as the first period ended level.

The Giants grabbed their second through Mike Lee at 28:42. David Goodwin hit a shot with was well saved by Fiske, however he couldn’t do anything to deny Lee with the rebound.

Ben Lake gave the Giants a two goal cushion just over two minutes later at 30:50. A nice move was finished well by Lake from inside the crease to give the Giants’ their third.

The Giants got a fourth on the powerplay after Craig Garragin took a seat for hooking. Kawaguchi set the puck to Lee, who unleashed a rocket past Fiske at 45:27.

The Giants grabbed a fifth after Jeff Baum set up Grant Mismash, who finished well at 56:46, before multiple players were involved in a brawl.

The Stars got a goal back through Cole MacDonald as he unleashed a shot from the left circle past Whistle at 58:15, before Scott Conway and Kameron Kielly were removed from the game for fighting.