Losing streak is finally over
Craig Ritchie
Braehead Clan finally brought a seven-game losing streak to a crunching halt with a well- deserved victory over Belfast Giants.
John Tripp’s home side headed into the clash knowing that they had to put a win on the board, with recent results edging them ever closer to a club record of nine defeats on the bounce.
However, they finally got the points that they arguably deserved over a tricky run of fixtures.
Both sides came flying out of the traps in a bid to get the opening goal and seize the initiative, with the fans packing out Braehead Arena sensing that it could turn into a cracker of a clash.
And the home fans soon had something to cheer about as Tripp’s men got themselves in front.
It was a goal of the visitors’ making as Belfast failed to clear their lines as Clan piled on the pressure.
Adam Brace grabbed the puck, playing in Tyler Shattock who went down on one knee before firing a shot over Jackson Whistle’s shoulder to open the scoring.
The momentum was clearly with the hosts now as they looked to build upon their opener.
And they would double their advantage before the end of the first period as Tyler Scofield surged forward on the righthand side before slotting home a fantastic solo effort.
Into the second period and Scofield again went close with another low effort as Clan looked to try and put the game beyond doubt.
Brace was next to try his luck as he found himself in space before firing – but, luckily for Giants, the puck hit the post and deflected clear of danger.
However, the tension in the arena rose as the visitors got themselves on the board to narrow the lead to just one goal.
John Kurtz was the man to get Belfast back in it, firing low after Giants took advantage of the face off.
They then equalised at the start of the third period, with a sense of deja vu for Clan.
Jonathan Ferland struck a wrist shot high into the back corner of the net to set up what was sure to be a thrilling finale.
But Cameron Burt was the man who got the winner when he was set up by Brendan Brooks, sending his shot into the net to give Clan that longawaited win.