The Belfast Giants were the visitors at the Shelter on Sunday evening as Critchlow’s squad were looking to build momentum heading in to the final few games of the regular season.

Storm came out with intent from the very first face-off scoring from their first shot on net within thirty seconds. It was Johnson who netted the puck from the right wing finding the five hole of Belfast’s new signing Caffi. With assists from Caines and Nardi. The home team doubled their lead with six remaining when Harrison’s low shot from the hash marks found the twine after a nice passing play by Gilmour and Butler. The recently crowned Elite League Champions struck back in the dying moments of the opener when Boudrias played an accurate pass to Piccinich who slotted the puck past Weninger up high.

The Storm struck early once again to make it 3-1 as Cutler converted from close range latching on to a nice cutting pass from Johnson that split the Giants defence. Belfast responded quickly through Gaudet who made it a one goal game. An equaliser followed not long after as Twarynski rushed up the right wing and released a quick wrister that beat Weninger top shelf. A sprawling double save from Caffi was the only other highlight of period two setting the scene for a tense final third.

Both sides came out hard following the restart with some heavy hits and an all-round high tempo of hockey. It took until the mid-point for the deadlock to be broken and the roof risen as Clavelle found the net with helpers from Caines and Nardi. A nail biting last ninety seconds saw the Giants push for a late equaliser with an extra forward on the ice. Storm’s defence held strong however and saw out a 4-3 statement win in front of another capacity crowd.

By: Kristian Stokwisz