Friday night hockey kicks off a busy weekend in the Elite Ice Hockey League, with two games on the schedule and all four teams set for multiple outings over the coming days.

In Belfast, the Giants and Manchester Storm begin a two-game series at the SSE Arena, meeting for the first time this season. The sides are separated by just four points and two places in the early standings, with Manchester holding the edge but having played two more games than the Giants. Both teams will be looking to set the tone ahead of Saturday’s rematch in the same building.

North of the border, the Cardiff Devils begin their Scottish triple-header with a trip to face the Glasgow Clan. The only previous meeting between the teams this season saw the Clan skate away from Cardiff with an overtime win, giving the Devils extra motivation to start their weekend on the right foot.

Photo: James Assinder