BRACKNELL, UK – The Bracknell Bees have an important weekend as they try to maintain their playoff challenge by snapping a four-game losing streak. The Bees are currently still in the playoff places, but only just. Following a narrow loss at home to Manchester last weekend, Bracknell are hoping to bounce back against two teams they can feel confident about facing.
Bees goaltender Carl Ambler said: “I think the matches are must-win games for us against teams that are around us in the league. We have Romford away which is never an easy game and then Sheffield at home who we are trying to catch.”
Swindon’s win against Peterborough on Sunday brings them level on points with The Bees, with Romford languishing 13 points behind the pair.
Despite Sunday’s loss against the Manchester Phoenix, Ambler made 47 saves and he will need to be on top of his game once again.
“I had an OK game but I am my worst critic. We have just got to forget about Sunday’s game and look forward to next weekend” he added.
Carl Ambler looking to backstop the team to 2 wins (Photo Bob Swann)
Romford may be sitting bottom of the English Premier League but they certainly gave Bracknell a fight in the first league meeting this season. Despite the Bees picking up a 2-1 win in Romford back in December, it could have ended differently with Bees back-up netminder Adam Marashi forced into making 40 saves.
The Bees know there are areas of their game that need work. Ambler said: “In training this week I’m sure Claude (Dumas) will have some things he will want to work on with us and I dare say he’ll work on the special teams, breakouts and the forechecks.”
While Bracknell obviously want to secure a playoff spot, they are also looking to close the gap on those above them in the standings. They have a great opportunity to do so as the Sheffield Scimitars visit The Hive on Sunday night.
The Bees will be brimming with confidence having already beaten Sheffield last month, but Bracknell will be wary of complacency, following four straight defeats. The pressure is on Bracknell to make it a four-point weekend, and they have a great opportunity to turn a corner as they push for a playoff spot. Contact the author David.Bol@Prohockeynews.com
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