Ice Hockey: Giants extend lead with Ayr win
Friday, 21 December 2001 08:47Leaders Belfast Giants moved 19 points clear after a 4-2 win over nearest rivals Ayr Scottish Eagles at the Odyssey Arena on Thursday night. Jason Ruff and Colin Ward, with their 16th goals of the season, and Curtis Bowen fired Belfast - now with 12 straight home wins and unbeaten overall in nine games - into a 3-0 lead. Shawn Byram and former Eagle Jeff Hoad traded markers, with Alan Schuler adding a late reply as Ayr lost their fifth successive game on the road.
Meanwhile, Manchester Storm's miserable run at Bracknell Bees continued with a 5-4 defeat in the Superleague. Storm, unbeaten in their last five games, were on their way to ending a 13-game winless run at the Bee Hive, dating back more than three years, when they led 3-2. Mark Bultje, Trevor Gallant and Joe Busillo put Storm ahead with Mark Cadotte, with his 17th goal of the season, and Doug Stienstra replying.
Sam Ftorek then levelled before two goals in 29 seconds from Dan Ceman (powerplay) and Mark Turner gave Bees some breathing space, although Bultje's second set up a frantic finish.
Filed by Shane Murray
