The Goodwin Group Manchester Storm fell just short of producing a comeback for ages with a 6-5 defeat infront of a sizeable crowd at the Shelter.

A breakdown in defensive coverage cost the Storm early, as the visitors took advantage through Hamilton. However, it took just 70 seconds for the Storm to draw level when a wristshot from Hope found it’s way past Owen. An eventful end to the period saw the Giants score two more goals, with the tallies going to Farnham and Lake. Both scores were easily avoidable for the hosts, as a porous Storm defence enabled the Northern Irish a outfit multiple “Grade A” scoring opportunities.

The 3-1 advantage for Belfast was extended by the completion of Hamilton’s hat-trick, as the Giants went 5-1 up at 26 minutes. An injury to Matt Ginn soon saw him replaced by back-up Adam Long, who was seeing his first league action of the campaign.

This change appeared to spark the hosts into life as they took full advantage of the powerplay opportunities afford to them. A rather fortuitous bounce of the puck gave Ulmer his fifth goal of the season at 30:24, with helpers going to Ehrhardt and Fawcett. The latter then turned scorer as Fawcett was on-hand to tap home the puck from Ulmer and Aulin’s neat work on the boards. This play saw the end of the scoring in the second period, as the Giants remained ahead 5-3.

The second period momentum for Storm carried over into the final period as the hosts astonishingly battled back to parity.

The goals from Critchlow and Ehrhardt saw the four-goal deficit evaporate for the Giants with things all even at 5-5. However, the two points would eventually go to Belfast as they came out on top over the Storm in an entertaining penalty shootout.

Man of the Match for Manchester Storm: Jared Aulin.

Man of the Match for Belfast Giants: Hamilton.

Your Goodwin Group Manchester Storm are back home ice Sunday 3rd November as we take on Nottingham Panthers! Tickets for this fixture are on sale NOW online, by calling 0161-926-8782 or in person at the Planet Ice Box Office #Altrincham.

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