The Belfast Giants suffered their first competitive defeat of the season on Sunday, losing 4–1 to the Glasgow Clan in the Challenge Cup. A first-period goal from JJ Piccinich brought Belfast back into the contest, but the hosts added a goal in each of the final two periods to secure the win.
Clan take control in the first period
Belfast created early chances, with Rasmus Tirronen denying Mike Lee before making a double save against Patrick Guay and Kaleb Pearson. Glasgow made their breakthrough at 11:47 when Rylan Schwartz redirected Juho Rautanen’s shot past Jake Kupsky.
Mick Messner doubled the Clan’s lead at 13:15, forcing home the rebound after Kupsky had saved Keaton Pehrson’s initial effort. Piccinich responded on the powerplay at 17:42, firing in to make it 2–1 at the first intermission.
Glasgow pull clear
Kupsky made further saves as Glasgow pressed early in the second period, but Cole Kodsi restored the two-goal cushion at 27:44. Kodsi followed up Josh Tarzwell’s wraparound attempt and bundled the puck over the line.
Belfast could find no way past Tirronen again. The Clan goalie stopped Lee’s effort from distance, while neither side scored during an exchange of powerplays.
Deven Sideroff made it 4–1 at 45:42, finishing at the second attempt after Kupsky saved his first shot. A later Glasgow penalty gave the Giants another powerplay opportunity, but the Clan held firm. Kupsky prevented the margin from growing with late saves against Tarzwell.
The result ends Belfast’s unbeaten competitive start, with a trip to Dundee offering an immediate chance to respond.
When do the Belfast Giants play next?
The Giants visit the Dundee Stars on Friday 2 October, with face-off at 7:30pm. Dundee then travel to Belfast for the return meeting on Sunday 4 October at 5pm.
For the full schedule and the latest scores, see our Belfast Giants fixtures and results 2026/27 guide.
Read more: Five From Five: Giants Come From Behind to See Off Flyers | Piccinich Hat-Trick Powers Belfast Giants to Emphatic 8–1 Win Over Dundee Stars | Giants Complete Four-Point Opening Weekend with Shootout Victory in Glasgow | Belfast Giants: Season Guide — Fixtures, Tickets and Match Nights | Friendship Four returns to Belfast this November as 2026 match-ups confirmed
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