By Doug Sheppard –
WE’VE just played three games in five days.
They were all tied after regulation time, so fans had the added excitement of overtime.
Last Wednesday we travelled up to Peterborough. Despite having a deserved lead, we were pulled back in the third period. The result was not what we wanted, but it was a good performance for the most part.
However, it wasn’t the first time this season that we were reminded that we need to create our own good luck and find ways to win games, especially when we hold a lead.
Sheppard stands by Ryan Watt after 21-game ban
That was also the case on Sunday evening in our home game against local rivals, Basingstoke Bison. With just a few minutes to go, we were on a power-play and leading by the odd goal. They pulled their netminder, scored with 30 seconds on the clock and went on to win in overtime.
That was frustrating, especially as our away game the previous evening had been decided by penalty shots in their favour.
Both derby games were played in front of passionate fans.
When they come together, they have the opportunity of showing how they are all part of a hockey family. On Sunday evening, everyone joined in paying tribute to David Kelly, who had been an equipment manager at Bracknell and had passed away this month.
They were also able to contribute to a fund for Ross Bowers, a Milton Keynes player, who had suffered a serious eye injury during a game.
We travel down to Swindon on Saturday, to meet a team anxious to secure the league title. Our final league game will be on Sunday against London Raiders.
Next week I’ll be telling you of the results of the School Zone Inspiring Player competition and sharing some of the entries. Thank you for taking part. Welcome to the Bracknell Hockey Family.
