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.
ALTHOUGH we lost our only game of the weekend against Peterborough by a single goal, I can’t fault the team for their effort.
We did well to pull the game back to 3-3 by the end of the second period. When James Galazzi scored our fourth goal in the final period, everyone hoped that this would be the game-winning goal.
The fans have come to expect fast, entertaining hockey at the Hive. They know how quickly the momentum of a game can change and that it’s not always going to be in our favour. So long as they see us working hard on the ice, their support gives the guys the energy to sustain their effort.
And there was great support on Saturday. Lots of young people, looking forward to half-term, came in to our School Zone. Then some stayed to skate with the players, take photos and collect autographs after the game.
We’ve got an all-day Hockey Camp this week and this is fully booked. Then on Sunday, the School Zone becomes a Ghoul Zone, with fancy dress and prizes, as half-term ends.
It’s not just the young members who are enjoying the hockey community. At the end of the first period, we were delighted to welcome former Bees supporter Pat Petchley back into the Hive with a presentation of flowers. She remembers the good old days and had heard from friends how much they were enjoying hockey again.
This weekend, we visit Streatham on Saturday, keen to get back on a winning streak. Then I expect lots of Bees fans, young and old, swarming to the rink on Sunday for our first game against local rivals, Basingstoke Bison.
Don’t forget that British Summer Time ends on Sunday. We don’t want you to miss the fireworks.
