Featured in the paper every Thursday, Bracknell Bees head coach Doug Sheppard gives his latest views on Bracknell’s season on and off the ice in an exclusive column.
ICE HOCKEY is not only a fast sport, demanding high levels of fitness. It also demands high levels of concentration from players for the full 60 minutes.
Last week I talked about how frustrating it was to blow a two-goal lead in the third period of our game at home against Streatham. It was even more frustrating to repeat this experience when we travelled on Saturday to play London Raiders, who went on to win in overtime.
We came out flat on Sunday in the first period against Milton Keynes and found ourselves two goals behind. We had 40 minutes left to put things right.
We ran out 7-3 winners on Sunday, spurred on by the support of the crowd. Three of the team scored two goals each, Vanya Antonov, Ryan Watt and Zack Milton.
The guys showed character to come back from a poor start. Closing out a game from a winning position requires the same attitude.
Newcomers to the sport are surprised by the intensity of the experience of watching ice hockey. I am sure the support will be just as large and noisy this Sunday, when we welcome the new League leaders, Swindon Wildcats, to the Hive. The following weekend we travel away to Basingstoke and Peterborough, so make sure you get your hockey fix this week.
It’s great to see how many families have realised that hockey at the Hive is a great night out.
If you’re still thinking of what presents to buy for Christmas, why don’t you visit our Hockey Shop?
