Bees ground Jets in home opener

BRACKNELL, UK – Four power play goals helped the Bracknell Bees to an impressive first win of the season against local rivals – the Slough Jets. Bees Head Coach Gareth Cox, said: “Our power play is still a work in progress, but so far I’m very pleased. It was a great result, and a hard-fought and deserved win.” Bracknell didn’t get off to the best of starts as some lapse defending allowed Joe Greener to score on the rebound after Bees netminder Tom Annetts had saved an initial shot from Adam Calder. Despite a slow start, the Bees took advantage of a power play late in the first period. New Bees captain Rob Lamey struck from close range after a clever fake and pass from Lukas Smital to tie up the score with a great goal. The Bees came out for the second period full of confidence, looking to build on their opening goal. Less than two minutes into the second period, some sublime puck control from the impressive Shaun Thompson gave Carl Graham acres of space at the blue line. The defenceman hit a rocket of a shot past Jets netminder Gregg Rockman to give Bracknell the lead. It didn’t take long for the Bees to extend their lead. More great work from Thompson allowed Bowman to strike on the power play as the home side started to pull away. The Jets had chances to claw their way back into the game in the second period. However, the visitors had goals ruled out on three occasions as frustration started to set in. Former Bees player Ryan Watt caught Bracknell off guard, scoring at the near post on the power play, to cut the deficit late in the second period. With the Bees holding a narrow lead going into the final period, the next goal was going to be vital. The Bees kept up their commitment and increased their lead midway through the third period. A great pass across the ice by Smital found Peter Jasik with lots of space. The Slovakian winger found Martin Masa in front of the net, who scored another power play goal to give the Bees some breathing space. Jasik grabbed another assist late on as he found Lamey, who scored the Bees’ forth power play goal of the night to seal a fine win. Tom Annetts put in a fine performance between the pipes making 38 saves for the Bees, while Rob Lamey and Shaun Thompson played well throughout. Gareth Cox added:”We’ve got a great ethos in the changing room. We’ve done lots of bonding over the summer, and we’ve all got the same goal. “It’s good to get the first win, and hopefully we can go to Slough next weekend and do the same.” Contact the author david.bol@prohockeynews.com