Match Summary
The Steelers arrived at the SSE Arena knowing this first game of a Belfast double-header carried real weight in the league standings. After a tough road trip in Scotland the previous weekend, there was a sense of urgency about turning momentum around against a Giants side sitting just two points ahead in second place. With Robert Dowd unavailable and ex-NHLer Brett Ritchie making his Steelers debut, the line-up had a fresh look, while Matthew Greenfield got the start between the pipes opposite Jackson Whistle.
For much of the opening period, the Steelers looked sharp, direct and confident, taking the game to the Giants and opening the scoring through Mitchell Balmas. Greenfield was busy early but solid, making a series of important saves to keep Belfast at bay. However, as the game wore on, the Giants’ efficiency began to tell, particularly around the crease and off broken plays.
The second period proved pivotal. Despite chances at both ends and spells of sustained pressure from the Steelers, the Giants struck twice to open up a two-goal cushion. The Steelers continued to generate opportunities, including Balmas rattling the bar on a three-on-one but could not find a way past Whistle at key moments.
The third period saw the Steelers push to get back into the contest, but a cruel bounce early on effectively knocked the wind out of their sails. From there, the Giants capitalised on Steelers risks and a late powerplay to seal a 5–1 victory. With no time to dwell, attention now turns quickly to Saturday night’s rematch as the Steelers look for a response.
First Period [1–1]
The opening exchanges were played at a high tempo, with the Steelers looking eager to establish forecheck pressure early. An early icing against the Giants set the tone, and Brett Ritchie’s first shift in orange brought a buzz as he settled quickly into the pace of Elite League hockey. Chances were limited in the opening minutes, but the Steelers looked organised and composed.
Ryan Tait registered the first shot on target after picking up a loose puck in the Giants zone, before Evan Jasper announced himself with two strong drives to the net. The second proved decisive. Jasper’s shot from the left wing was initially saved, but the rebound spilled into the slot where Mitchell Balmas made no mistake, firing top shelf to give the Steelers a deserved 1–0 lead.
The Giants responded with increased physicality and a spell of pressure. Greenfield stood tall, denying Nicolas Guay with a huge blocker save and later turning away efforts from Ryan Smith and JJ Piccinich. A brief bout of post-whistle frustration saw Jonna Huttula and Karl Boudrias exchange pleasantries, but penalties cancelled out to keep things five-on-five.
Momentum swung late in the period. After another important Greenfield stop, the Giants levelled the score straight off a face-off, Boudrias picking his spot top corner to make it 1–1. The Steelers finished the period strongly with sustained powerplay pressure, moving the puck crisply but unable to find a second goal before the buzzer.
Second Period [3–1]
The middle frame began with end-to-end hockey as both teams traded odd-man rushes. Greenfield produced an outstanding right-pad save on a Giants three-on-one to keep the game level, but Belfast soon found a breakthrough. Ciaran Long battled hard at the top of the crease, lifting the puck over Greenfield before jamming home his own rebound to put the Giants ahead.
The Steelers responded well and came agonisingly close to levelling when Balmas rang the crossbar on a three-on-one rush. That chance summed up the period for the visitors; plenty of positive play, but no reward. Dominic Cormier and Ryan Tait both caused problems with speed and creativity, while the Giants increasingly looked dangerous on the counter.
Greenfield continued to battle, producing a remarkable goal-line save that left many expecting the red light. However, the pressure eventually told. With the Steelers scrambling in their own zone, Boudrias cut across the crease and slid a backhand finish in at the back post to make it 3–1.
The Giants closed the period with the advantage, while the Steelers were left knowing they would need a big third period to haul themselves back into contention.
Third Period [5–1]
The Steelers started the third with intent, and Greenfield again kept his side alive with an early right-pad save on Long. Just moments later, misfortune struck. A puck sent deep took a vicious bounce off the backboards and landed perfectly for David Goodwin at the top of the crease, who tapped home to extend the Giants’ lead to 4–1.
That goal proved a turning point. The Steelers continued to push bodies forward in search of a spark, but gaps began to appear at the back. Greenfield was called upon repeatedly, denying Goodwin again and keeping the scoreline respectable as long as possible. At the other end, Balmas was once more denied one-on-one, this time by Whistle’s blocker.
A late penalty against Greenfield for playing the puck outside his area handed the Giants a powerplay, and they made it count. Marcus Eriksson finished neatly from close range to cap the scoring at 5–1. From there, the Giants saw out the final moments professionally.
It was a frustrating end to a game that promised much early on for the Steelers. With Dominic Cormier named Steelers Man of the Match and Karl Boudrias taking the honours for the Giants, focus now shifts quickly to Saturday night’s rematch. After that, the Steelers finally return home to the Utilita Arena for a double-header against the Manchester Storm and Cardiff Devils; but first, there’s unfinished business in Belfast.
📸 Belfast Giants / William Cherry