ICE HOCKEY
Five-star Clan sweep past Belfast to secure Conference trophy
The party was in full swing as Clan paraded their Gardener Conference trophy after stunning Belfast at Braehead.
Pete Russell’s side ran out 5-0 victors over their high-flying opponents on home ice before bringing the silverware out for all to see.
Captain Zack Fitzgerald led from the front as the side celebrated being crowned Scotland’s top team during the regular season.
Following two loses in the previous three nights against the same opponents, Russell’s men finally got their own back by putting a dent on Belfast’s own title ambitions.
Both sides attempted to grab the upper hand early on but were unable to find a way past either goalkeeper.
Scott Pitt had a great chance to give the home side the lead but his one-on-one chance was denied by Tyler Beskorowany.
Clan keeper Joel Rumpel then had to be just as vigilant at the other end of the ice as he made two great saves to deny Kyle Baun and Jonathan Boxill.
But Clan finally hit top gear when Vaclav Stupka struck the opener when he fired home the rebound after Beskorowany parried Scott Pitt’s first effort.
Minutes later, a hit from behind on captain Zack Fitzgerald led to a scrap with Giants defenceman Kevin Raine, which led to a game penalty on the Clan man.
But the anger soon turned to delight as Clan started to pull away with goals from Rasmus Bjerrum and Gerard Hanson.
Number four wasn’t far away as Pitt slotted home and Brendan Connolly scored the fifth to round off an enjoyable night for the hosts.