Giants and Blaze stalemate gives Belfast upper hand

THE BELFAST Giants are in pole position to reach the Challenge Cup final after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg against Coventry Blaze.

An exciting encounter in the Midlands saw 76 shots fired in anger but outstanding displays from both keepers - Coventry's J F Perras and Stevie Lyle of the Giants - ensured there is still plenty to play for when the duo lock horns again in Belfast next Wednesday.

While the second leg could still go either way, the Giants will start the game as slight favourites having beaten the Blaze 5-1 on home soil in the British Knockout Cup a couple of weeks ago.

The opening period saw the home side have the better of the play but miss out on three powerplay opportunities as the period ended scoreless.

George Awada's opening goal five minutes into the second period should have put the Giants on their way to building up a lead to ahead of the second leg, but Greg Wood bagged his first of the season to leave the scores tied at the end of the middle session.

There was little in it in the third period with both sides having and missing their chances coupled with some fine goaltending so it goes to the Odyssey next week where all will be decided.