Belfast Giants Triumph Over Dundee Stars in Challenge Cup Overtime Thriller

The Stena Line Belfast Giants continued their flawless start in the Challenge Cup, securing a dramatic overtime win against the Dundee Stars at The SSE Arena, Belfast. Jordan Kawaguchi delivered the game-winning goal with just one minute left in overtime, sealing a 6-5 victory and maintaining the Giants’ perfect Cup record.

Kawaguchi, who netted twice during the match, was pivotal in Adam Keefe’s side’s victory. Other key contributors included Joe Cassetti, Scott Conway, Bobo Carpenter, and J.J. Piccinich, all finding the back of the net during regulation time, giving the Giants their third win in as many games in this year’s Challenge Cup.

First Period Action

The Giants struck first just 1:26 into the game when Kawaguchi set up Cassetti for an easy tip-in (1-0). However, the Dundee Stars quickly turned the tide, leveling the game with a breakaway goal from Jake Elmer at 5:25 (1-1) and going ahead just seconds later with Brendan Harms tapping in a rebound (1-2). Dundee continued their pressure, with Kameron Kielly extending their lead at 10:25 (1-3).

Despite being under fire, Giants’ goalie Tom McCollum stood tall, making crucial saves to prevent further damage. Giants’ special teams also shone, successfully killing a 5-on-3 power play to keep the score within reach as the first period came to a close.

Second Period Comeback

The second period began with a bang for the Belfast Giants, as Scott Conway found the top corner just 17 seconds in (2-3). Despite this momentum, Dundee restored their two-goal lead at 28:45 with a strike from Cole MacDonald (2-4). However, the Giants fought back hard, with Jordan Kawaguchi and Bobo Carpenter both scoring within four minutes to tie the game before the second intermission (4-4).

Third Period Drama

The final period saw the Giants take their first lead since early in the game, as Conway set up J.J. Piccinich to score at 5:25 (5-4). However, Dundee wouldn’t go down without a fight, and Brendan Harms notched his second of the game on the power play to level the score once again (5-5).

Both teams had chances to win in regulation, but neither could break the deadlock, sending the game into overtime.

Overtime Heroics

Overtime brought edge-of-your-seat action, with McCollum producing two stunning saves to deny Alex Tonge on back-to-back breakaways. Those crucial stops gave Kawaguchi the chance to secure victory for the Belfast Giants, which he did in style with a top-shelf backhand shot at 64:00 (6-5).

Next, the Belfast Giants will face the Dundee Stars again, this time on the road at Dundee Ice Arena for their fourth Challenge Cup match on Sunday, September 22. The Giants will return to home ice on Saturday, October 5, to face the Cardiff Devils. Tickets are available now.