The SSE Arena was rocking last night as the Belfast Giants began their Challenge Cup defence, but it wasn’t the start Adam Keefe’s men had hoped for. A sharp Dundee Stars side skated away with a 7–4 victory, silencing the home crowd on opening night.
🔥 First Period
The Giants struck first when JJ Piccinich rifled home on the powerplay after smart work from Mike Lee (1–0). But Dundee hit back quickly, capitalising on their own man advantage through Kameron Kielly (1–1).
With the period winding down, the Stars landed a real gut punch — Matt Berry pouncing with just seven seconds left to give Dundee a 2–1 lead heading into the break.
⚡ Second Period
Belfast pressed hard and came close, including Jordan Kawaguchi’s rocket off the post. Relief came when Nicolas Guay smashed home on the powerplay (2–2).
But parity lasted less than a minute — Hampus Olsson fired Dundee back in front (2–3). Worse followed when a miscue behind the net gifted Bradley Schoonbaert a shorthanded chance, with Jackson Desouza finishing into the empty cage (2–4).
That prompted a switch in goal, Jackson Whistle replacing Gravel. It sparked some life, and the Giants responded with a third powerplay strike — Jake Gaudet tipping home (3–4) to keep it tight after two.
Third Period
The Giants pushed for the equaliser — Scott Conway’s effort kissed the post — but Dundee showed killer instinct. Benjamin Almquist restored the two-goal cushion (3–5).
Gaudet struck again to keep hope alive (4–5), but the Stars weren’t finished. Goals from Matthew Boudens and Justin Bean stretched it beyond reach (4–7), leaving the Giants with a frustrating first night.
📅 What’s Next
The Giants hit the road tonight in Fife (5pm face-off) before returning home to the SSE Arena on Saturday 20th September when the Flyers are in town.
🎟️ Don’t miss it — tickets on sale now!
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