There is plenty on the line as we head into the Elite League season’s fifth gameweek, especially in Belfast.
The Giants resume their domestic campaign after a midweek drubbing in the Champions Hockey League, crashing out of Europe after a 7-0 loss to SC Bern.
Adam Keefe’s squad start the weekend on the road, visiting the Glasgow Clan in the Challenge Cup, before returning to the SSE Arena a night later to host the Fife Flyers in the same competition.
It’s all to play for at the top of Group A, with the Coventry Blaze and Sheffield Steelers facing off in a decisive Challenge Cup affair on Sunday [12 October].
With that said, here are three Elite League players to watch out for in gameweek five.
Jordan Kawaguchi, Belfast Giants:
Jordan Kawaguchi, Belfast Giants (Image: William Cherry)
If anyone is going to spark the Belfast Giants into life, it’s Jordan Kawaguchi.
The Canadian is off to a strong start to the campaign (despite his team’s struggles), with 11 points (five goals, six assists) in eight domestic games.
Kawaguchi scored twice in Belfast’s shootout loss to the Dundee Stars last weekend, making his impact felt from the third line alongside Jake Gaudet and Patrick Grasso.
The 28-year-old has made clear progress from his first season with the Giants (which saw him pot 50 points in 68 games), with his ice time trending upwards in recent weeks.
The Giants face Glasgow and Fife in the Challenge Cup: expect Kawaguchi’s name to feature on the scoresheet.
Mat Robson, Coventry Blaze:
Mat Robson, Coventry Blaze (Image: Scott Wiggins)
The Coventry Blaze start the weekend on the road, facing the Cardiff Devils as both teams open their Elite League campaigns.
After finishing last season one place apart in the standings, this match-up could prove decisive — and Mat Robson has an oversized role to play.
The Canadian’s .941 save percentage speaks for itself: he has been the difference-maker for Coventry this term, with five wins and one shutout from his first seven games of the campaign.
However, Cardiff had Robson’s number last weekend, scoring five goals on 28 shots (albeit in a losing effort). Will he bounce back?
The Blaze host the Sheffield Steelers on Sunday — another key contest for Robson.
Ian Scheid, Fife Flyers:
Ian Scheid, Fife Flyers (Image: Jillian McFarlane)
Ian Scheid could be the Fife Flyers’ signing of the summer.
Scoring six points (three goals, three assists) in his first nine Elite League appearances, the American has looked smooth and solid on the blueline thus far.
Scheid scored in Fife’s 4-3 win over Belfast last weekend — and will hope to make a similar impact this time around, with the Guildford Flames and Giants on the schedule this time around.
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