Giants vs. Ilves: Seven-Goal Thriller at SSE Arena

End-to-End Action Lights Up Belfast

Saturday night at Belfast’s SSE Arena saw the Giants and Ilves go head-to-head in a goal-filled contest that kept fans on their feet.

First Period

 Ilves dominated early, testing Giants goalie Jackson Whistle with several big saves, but Timi Teuho-Markkola opened the scoring at 03:03. The Giants’ penalty kill held strong and they created some chances of their own, keeping it 0-1 after the first.

Second Period

 The Giants equalised through Nicolas Guay at 28:36, but Ilves quickly regained the lead via John Nyberg. David Goodwin tied it up again for the Giants, only for Lukas Svejkovsky to put Ilves ahead 3-2 before the end of the period.

Third Period

 Captain Goodwin levelled again for the Giants, and Bo Hanson’s long-range shot sent the home crowd wild as Belfast led 4-3. Ilves responded with goals from Jens Lööke, Simon Johansson, Matic Török and a final strike by Svejkovsky, ending the night at 4-7.

The Giants now travel to Switzerland for Champions Hockey League action against Lausanne HC and Zug next weekend.