31/08/2001

Belfast Giants face-off against London Knights

Northern Ireland has welcomed back the Harp Lager Belfast Giants as the team prepares to open their ice hockey Superleague account on Saturday.

The Giants face the London Knights in what could be a face-off between two of the championship contenders for this year’s league title.

The indications are that coach Dave Whistle’s team will be serious contenders for silverware this year. Whistle has been out with his shopping trolley in North America and Europe to fine tune his roster and has signed up top class players such as Chad Allan, Terran Sandwith, Jason Ruff, Curtis Bowen and David Matsos.

However, the London Knights’ new coach Bob Leslie has attracted some heavyweights of his own, including Trevor Roenick from Arkansas River Blades, Vezio Sacratini, Kim Ahlroos, Ian McIntyre, Steve Thornton and Mike Ware from the Cardiff Devils.

As the Knights swept all before them in winning the Belfast Ice Cup last weekend, a full capacity Odyssey is expected for Saturday’s opening Superleague game. (MB)

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