Adam Keefe is hoping home ice pays dividends for the Belfast Giants once again as they bid to defend their Challenge Cup crown against Fyfe Flyers on Wednesday evening.
The home support played their part last year inspiring the Giants to fight back from two goals down to claim the trophy after a dramatic overtime finish against the Cardiff Devils at a raucous SSE Arena.
Ben Lake's goal 4:18 into overtime secured the cup and head coach Keefe is hoping for a similar outcome tonight as he bids to bring more silverware to Belfast to the home fans.
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"Last year's win spurs us on especially with being at home again in a similar situation," he said.
"It's a different opponent but it's the same situation with a sell-out crowd, so we're excited by that.
"We want to bring trophies to the city of Belfast.
"Any chance you have to let the fans to celebrate on their home ice you want to take it and that will be our focus.
"They have always supported the team in my time here and long before that too.
"We're having a good few years of success here and we want to continue that this year and reward the fans for their support.
"This year it has been the biggest crowds we have seen consistently and we'd love nothing more than to reward them with a celebration.
"We have to give it our best attempt as we need to be ready for a really good Fyfe team coming into the building."
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