The Stena Line Belfast Giants made history on Sunday night in Bremerhaven, Germany – advancing to the Continental Cup Semi-Finals in Angers, France next month, despite a harsh 4-2 loss to the Fischtown Pinguins. Steve Thornton will no doubt be proud of his team after a fine performance against the host team and the Giants can count themselves unlucky not to have taken anything from the game.

The Giants began the game knowing that a win or a loss by less than 7 goals would ensure passage to the Semi-Final stage of the Continental Cup for the first time since 2003. The win was clearly the priority and the Elite League champions came flying out of the blocks with Captain Adam Keefe leading a bruising first shift along with Mark Garside, Darryl Lloyd, Davey Phillips and Robby Sandrock as the Giants looked to take the game to their German hosts. Although it was the Fischtown Pinguins who struck first, Jan Kopecky tapping home with an empty net gaping after a scramble in the crease at 6:57 with Darryl Lloyd sitting in the penalty box for a harsh elbowing call. The Belfast team got their own powerplay opportunity later in the period and with the puck shifted to Robby Sandrock, his shot was saved by Jonas Langmann, but the rebound was hammered home by Mike Kompon at 12:28 to tie up the score in Bremerhaven and end the first period at 1-1.

The second period, like the opening 20 minutes was an even affair with both teams creating plenty of scoring opportunities. However with 1:52 gone in the period, Mike Kompon squeezed the puck into the Fischtown net to leave the hosts behind for the first time in the game and in this tournament and sending the Giants fans wild. With the Giants scoring early in the period, the home fans grew frustrated with their team as the second 20 minutes ticked along, although they were given something to cheer about with less than a minute remaining with Jan Kopecky beating Stephen Murphy after a 2-on-1 to leave the game tied at 2-2 at the end of 40 minutes.

The final period was a frantic 20 minutes, with both teams going hammer and tong for the win that would clinch the Group and it was the home team who, with a powerplay in the dying minutes, took the 3 points with Brock Hooton firing home and then Jan Kopecky sealed the win with an empty net goal with one second on the clock.

Although the Giants lost on the night, despite a brave performance, they now advance to the Continental Cup Semi-Finals next month in Angers, France – a deserved reward for this weekends’ efforts.

Final Score:

Stena Line Belfast Giants 2-4 Fischtown Pinguins

Photo: van Elten // Media

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Final Score: Giants 2-4 Fischtown A loss, but the Belfast Giants have qualified for the Continental Cup Semi-Finals in France next month!!! — Belfast Giants (@BelfastGiants) October 19, 2014