Giants' Clarke banned for six games

Published Thursday, 15 December 2011
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The Belfast Giants will be without the services of forward Aaron Clarke for another five games, after he was hit with suspension by the Elite League under its "abuse of an official" rule.

The disciplinary action comes after an incident at the end of the Giants' game against the Steelers last Friday night in Sheffield.

Clarke, who was given a match penalty which has now been upheld by the disciplinary committee, has already sat out against the Fife Flyers.

The Belfast team lost out in overtime to the Steelers, but won out over Fife the following night.

Now they return to the Odyssey Arena on Saturday, minus Clarke and injured Giants Robert Dowd and James Hutchinson, to face Dundee.

The Stars could cause problems for Doug Christiansen's side, as they look to light a fire under their performances following the shake-up that saw them part company with player-coach Dan Ceman.

But there is a ray of light in the form of all-time leading goal scorer and former Giants captain George Awada, who makes his return to the line-up.

It's also the first home game for the Giants in two weeks, so they're hoping for plenty of support from the fans - and appeal to them not to forget the annual Teddy Bear Toss!

The festive challenge will see as many soft toys as possible hurled from the stands onto the ice, as soon as the Giants bag their first goal of the game.

The players will then gather up the toys and deliver them next week to children to ill to be at home for Christmas and spending the holiday in the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children or the Ulster Hospital Children's Ward.

For health and safety reasons, the toys should be new and sealed in a clear plastic bag and ideally suitable for children from birth upwards.

© UTV News
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