Game Preview: Giants vs Clan in Belfast

Club News

April 11, 2026

The Glasgow Clan begin their playoff journey tonight as they travel to the SSE Arena Belfast to face the league-winning Belfast Giants in the first leg of the 2025/26 EIHL Playoff Quarter-Finals.

Road Test to Open Playoff Campaign

There is no bigger challenge to open the post-season than a trip to Belfast. The Giants finished top of the standings and have set the benchmark all season, but the Clan will take confidence from recent meetings between the sides.

Tonight’s clash is the first of a two-legged tie, with the outcome to be decided over six periods of hockey. Every goal will count across the full 120 minutes, with the return leg set for Braehead Arena on Sunday night.

Previous Meeting in Belfast

The Clan’s last visit to Belfast on 21 March provides plenty of encouragement. In what was one of their most complete road performances of the season, the Clan skated away with a deserved 3-1 victory.

After a strong start, Brady Risk opened the scoring on the powerplay before the Giants responded through JJ Piccinich to level the game at 1-1 heading into the first intermission.

The Clan regained control in the second period, with Tristin Langan restoring the lead with a composed finish before Robert Lachowicz capitalised on a turnover to extend the advantage.

From there, the visitors showed discipline and structure, limiting chances and closing out an impressive win against the league winners.

That performance demonstrated exactly what the Clan are capable of when they execute their game plan, something they will need to replicate over the course of this weekend.

Team News

There is a welcome boost for the Clan as Daniel Tedesco is set to return to the lineup after several weeks out with an upper body injury.

Felix Paré, Darien Kielb and Deven Sideroff are all expected to remain sidelined.

Between the pipes, Sami Aittokallio is anticipated to get the nod as starting netminder, having previously delivered a strong performance in Belfast.

Players to Watch

Rylan Schwartz and Tristin Langan will be key offensive threats for the Clan. Both players have recorded six points against the Giants across all competitions this season and have consistently stepped up in big moments.

Their ability to create and convert chances could prove decisive in a tie where margins are expected to be tight.

The Bigger Picture

This quarter-final will be decided on aggregate score across both legs, meaning patience and discipline will be crucial. A strong result on the road tonight would give the Clan a valuable platform heading back to Glasgow.

The second leg takes place at Braehead Arena on Sunday 12 April (7pm), where the Purple Army will look to play their part in pushing the Clan towards Finals Weekend.

With everything to play for across 120 minutes, the stage is set for a high-stakes playoff battle between two familiar rivals.

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