BRAEHEAD CLAN halted a seven game losing streak in impressive fashion, defeating second-placed Belfast Giants 3-2 on Boxing Day in a thrilling match. It had been over three weeks since the Glasgow side had notched up a win and with Braehead sitting in ninth position in the league, a win against second from top team Belfast seemed a somewhat unrealistic ask.

However, a hugely improved performance from Braehead, coupled with home advantage saw them record one of their best victories of the year.

Player-coach, Brendan Brooks admits to being delighted both with the win and with Braehead securing a much sought after home win. “We needed that – it felt like it had been forever since we got the last win at home so it was huge,” the Canadian-born 39 year-old said. “We played really hard – that’s a really good team and we didn’t give them a chance.”

Brooks played a significant role in the match, setting up Tyler Scofield for a spectacular goal which put Braehead two goals to the good at 2-0. “I saw the rebound go off of Nisey’s blocker then a guy pinched in and I was able to get around him and hit Scofield with speed,” he said. “He didn’t slow down, he went straight to the net and it was a great goal.”

Belfast Giants got back level but Brooks provided another assisted, this time to set up the winner for Cameron Burt but he was left slightly disappointed by his own attempt to get on the score-sheet, which saw him miss something of a sitter. “I was not happy – it was going in then I saw it go upon its side and I thought ‘oh no, this is going to miss’ and sure enough, it did,” he said. “I probably could have skated it right into the net and sure enough, next time, I will. But we got the win so I’m ok with it.”

Brooks was particularly complimentary of the home crowd who have witnessed their team lose their last four home games yet have remained unfalteringly supportive. And yet again, Braehead’s support backed their team, even when Belfast levelled and it looked like they were potentially on their way to another disappointing defeat. “It was a really good atmosphere – and there was a good atmosphere in our room too and I feel like this is the way it should be,” said Brooks. “The fans were great too – they were very supportive. Even when they got back into the game to tie 2-2, I never felt like our fans gave up on us and we took that and we made sure that we didn’t give up either.”

Braehead will have to maintain their Boxing Day form if they want to end the year on a high, with their next game a rematch against Belfast, in Belfast on Saturday before they play their last match of 2017 against Dundee Stars at Braehead Arena on Hogmanay.