BRACKNELL, UK – The Bracknell Bees stunned table-topping Guildford to record an enthralling victory at The Hive.
The Bees trailed after the first period, but four unanswered goals and a solid display from Carl Ambler handed the home side a 4-2 victory. Bracknell had revenge on their minds following a Boxing Day defeat to the Flames in Guildford.
Bees captain Terry Miles said, “We have been a lot more disciplined in sticking to our system and I believe that’s what has helped us play a much more competitive game.
“It was inevitable that sooner or later we would take a big scalp as it is something we have been threatening at times, but we have not managed to put a full 60 minutes of work in to win games.”
It didn’t look good for the Bees early on, as Martin Masa opened the scoring with a power play goal. The Czech winger didn’t take long to double his tally, scoring after good work from Matt Towe.
Bracknell’s heads didn’t drop, and a professional and committed performance in the second period saw them turn the game on its head.
Vlademar Pelikovsky got the Bees on the board with a power play goal. Guildford had the chance to increase the lead with a power play of their own, but a clever solo effort from James Galazzi leveled the game with a shorthanded goal.
The Bees took advantage of their momentum and took the lead thanks to Miles, a former Flames player.
Miles added, “Obviously it felt good to score as I’ve been struggling to find the back of the net, but I couldn’t have cared who scored the go-ahead goal to be honest.
“It was just key that we took advantage of our dominance in that period and get a lead.”
The Flames are very dangerous with the puck, but the Bees gave themselves some breathing space thanks to Michal Pinc. The Czech sniper finished well after great work from Peter Jasik.
The Bees looked comfortable, but were on the back foot for most of the final period. Carl Ambler was in fine form, making 15 saves in the third period, 33 overall. Ambler was helped out by some patient defending, which frustrated the Flames in the latter stages.
The Bees hung on to complete a memorable victory against a strong team to give the Bees fans a late Christmas present. Depsite the upset, the Bees still have plenty to do if they are to make the playoffs – as they remain adrift at the bottom of the league by 4 points. Contact the author david.bol@prohockeynews.com
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