Challenge Cup: Belfast Giants beat Braehead Clan 3-2 after shootout

Chris Higgins was on target for the Giants in the first period against Braehead

The Belfast Giants bounced back from Saturday's defeat by Dundee Stars by overcoming Braehead Clan 3-2 away after a penalty shootout on Sunday night.

James Desmarais and David Rutherford were the successful penalty takers for the Giants after the match ended 2-2.

Belfast led 2-1 after the first period thanks to goals from Chris Higgins and Blair Riley, with Alex Leavitt scoring for the hosts.

Leavitt scored again in the second period of the Challenge Cup game.

Neither side could add to their tally in overtime and debutant netminder Jackson Whistle made two fine saves in the shootout to keep out Braehead.

Whistle is the son of Dave Whistle, who was the first ever coach of the Giants.

The Giants were edged out 4-3 by Dundee Stars after over-time in Saturday's Challenge Cup game at the SSE Arena.

Goals from Vinny Scarsella and Joey Sides put the visitors 2-0 ahead after the first period.

David Rutherford and Mark Garside got Belfast on terms in the second period and after Sides restored Dundee's lead, Colin Shields levelled late on.

That meant five minutes of over-time and Brett Switzer sealed Dundee's win.

Giants trio give reaction to Dundee defeat

Switzer's goal came with a minute remaining in over-time.

Dundee's victory avenged their 5-3 home defeat in the same competition by the Giants last weekend.