Giants coach Derrick Walser calls for giants fans to build an atmosphere ahead of this week's home games with the Cardiff Devils
Belfast Giants Head Coach Derrick Walser has issued a rallying call to Giants fans ahead of the biggest weekend of the season. The Giants have with back-to-back home games against the Cardiff Devils on Friday and Saturday.
The Devils currently lead the way, three points clear of the Giants. This weekends’ double header offers an opportunity for the Belfast side to close the gap at the top.
"It's going to be fun and war," said Walser. "Once game day hits, we need to be all business. If we can compete on both sides of the puck we are going to have an opportunity to win the games and if not, then we are going to be looking at another 5 goals against and that is something we know as a group we need to fix."
The Cardiff Devils most recent visit to Belfast came last Wednesday in the Challenge Cup Semi-Final when they skated away with a 5-1 victory and a place in the Final. Coach Walser wants to make amends for that result and also plans to take advantage of home ice this weekend, starting with the Giants fans.
"First of all, we need an atmosphere in our building to get the guys fired up," Walser said. "We need to come out on our toes. Last Wednesday, Cardiff came out on their toes and we need to be a lot more ready to go. If we do that, we will have the opportunity to get some goals and get the crowd into it."
The home double header against the Cardiff Devils this Friday and Saturday are the most important games of the season so far and Walser recognises what is needed from his team if they are to pick up two positive results this weekend.
"We need more passion in our game. We lacked that in Fife and hopefully we can bring that back along with determination. When we went to Sheffield, we went there with determination and passion and we found a way to win. That is how we need to approach this weekend.