Netminder Dickson helps the Belfast Giants to wins over Italian side

Ballymoney's Andrew Dickson was first choice netminder for the Stena Line Belfast Giants when they took on Italian Serie A side SG Cortina in an exciting two-game series and he helped his side to a double victory.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Feb 2016, 09:28 BST
Updated 26th Feb 2016, 09:34 BST
Ballymoney's Andrew Dickson in action as netminder for the Belfast Giants against CortinaBallymoney's Andrew Dickson in action as netminder for the Belfast Giants against Cortina
Ballymoney's Andrew Dickson in action as netminder for the Belfast Giants against Cortina

The ‘Olympic Series’ took place at The SSE Arena, Belfast and the home side took to the ice in specially commissioned pink jerseys covered in hearts for Valentine’s weekend which were all then raffled off after the game.

In the first of the two games, the Giants and SG Cortina played out a scoreless opening period despite powerplay opportunities for both sides.

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In the second period, Cortina fired ahead early on with a goal from Saverio Posa less than 30 seconds in.

In the third period, the hosts struck early with an equaliser from Kris Beech inside the first minute and they went on to take the lead when Brandon Benedict grabbed their second goal of the night.

However, Cortina found an equaliser with just under seven minutes to go via Marcello Ranallo to take the game to 2-2.

Giants captain Adam Keefe put his side back in front after assists by Jeff Mason and Mitch Ganzak and they went on to take the 3-2 win.

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The Belfast Giants did the double on the Italian side in the second of their ‘Olympic Series’ games with a 6-3 win.

Ballymoney’s Dickson will be hoping to be selected as first choice netminder and get more ice time as the remainder of the season plays out.

Nineteen-year-old Adam Robinson and 17-year-old Ross Hancock both enjoyed a fair share of ice time and another local Gareth Roberts, who played a large number of games under Doug Christiansen and Paul Adey, was also back in a Giants jersey as the Junior Giants impressed in the two-game series.