Glasgow Clan ended their three-game loss streak with a home victory over Dundee Stars in the Challenge Cup.
While the Starts were already eliminated from the competition prior to Friday night’s game, Clan entered it hoping to increase their win percentage in the hope of playing the Elimination Game at home. 3,404 fans saw the come out on top at Braehead Arena.
Jarrett Fiske was the busier of the two goalies in the opening period and pulled off several point-blank stops to prevent the hosts from taking the lead. His team in front of him repaid his service by taking the lead at 4:53 – Brett Gravelle with the powerplay marker to put Clan ahead.
Clan were their own worst enemies in period two with a succession of minors, but came through the opening eight minutes still only a goal down.
The home faithful would have to wait until the final period for a goal to cheer, however then got two. There was a large element of fortune about Clan’s equaliser as Tyson McLellan’s throw on net bounced off Ben O’Connor’s skate and over the line to tie the game at 41:15. Domenico Alberga saw a breakaway chance saved by Lucas Brine as the Stars almost re-took the lead, but failure to take their chances came back to cost them late on.
With 2:45 to play, Cole Ully let a shot go from the point which flew past Fiske and into the back of the Stars’ net. Fiske was pulled with 1:17 to play as the Stars searched for an equaliser with the empty net, but without success and the Clan took the victory.
Photo: Al Goold