A Brendan Connolly hat-trick gave the Stena Line Belfast Giants an important 6-4 win against the Dundee Stars on Valentine’s Day. Connolly’s treble, a double from Darcy Murphy and Blair Riley’s powerplay strike gave the Giants the Wednesday league win.
It was the Dundee side who broke the deadlock when Adam Harding netted the only goal in the opening period, assisted by Jordan Cownie and Jimmy Jensen at 14:03.
Brendan Connolly’s double saw the Giants storm into a middle period lead, first at 24:37, assisted by Brandon Benedict and Blair Riley, and then at 30:33 with a powerplay strike assisted by Jackson Whistle.
Jimmy Jensen equalised for the Stars at 31:43, assisted by Jordan Cownie and Cody Carlson before Darcy Murphy restored the Giants one goal lead, assisted by Dustin Johner, at 32:48.
Anthony Mastrodicasa levelled for the visitors with a powerplay goal at 39:44, assisted by player/coach Omar Pacha.
Giants Captain Blair Riley grabbed the go-ahead goal at 48:37 with a fine finish on the powerplay, assisted by Darcy Murphy and David Rutherford.
Jimmy Jensen gave the Stars another equalising goal at 53:14, assisted by Brian Hart and Malcolm Gould.
It was Darcy Murphy who would net the game winning goal. Murphy finished off a nice powerplay move at 57:39, assisted by David Rutherford and Blair Riley.
Brendan Connolly completed his hat-trick with a fine empty-net finish which secured the home win, assisted by Kevin Raine at 59:32.
