DOUG SHEPPARD’S reign as Bracknell Bees head coach began with a brace of defeats to rivals Swindon Wildcats.
With the NIHL season just around the corner, Bees took the opportunity for a double header challenge match against Wildcats and lost 5-2 on Saturday before a 5-4 overtime defeat at The Hive the following night.
Bracknell were first on the scoreboard in Sheppard’s first game in charge through Shaun Thompson, but Maxim Birbraer levelled up before the end of the first period.
The game remain locked heading into the third at 2-2 with Scott Spearing netting for the visitors before Birbraer again struck.
But Swindon pulled clear after the restart with goals from Floyd Taylor, Aaron Nell and Luc Johnson.
Then after a lively but goalless first period at The Hive on Sunday, the deadlock was finally broken in the 27th minute through Birbraer during a penalty for Thompson.
Bees were quickly level when quick-fire chances from Roman Malinik and Spearing fell to Thompson, who slammed the puck high into the net.
Edgars Bebris was next to strike, putting Swindon 2-1 ahead, only for Bracknell to ensure the game was again level heading into the third when Karel Richter teed up Josh Smith to score.
The home side got their noses in front in the 48th minute as Spearing turned in a Malinik shot from a tight angle, only for Swindon to level as the clocked ticked down through Sam Jones.
Bees got back in front with less than 90 seconds to play when Aidan Doughty rushed in, yet Wildcats would not be beaten as Chris Jones grabbed a last-gasp leveller.
A three-on-three overtime period followed and Swindon got the vital goal on 62:31 when a bobbling puck fell nicely to Sam Bullas to settle the contest.
“We’ve enjoyed a great weekend of games and an opportunity to skate off the cobwebs,” said head coach Sheppard.
“It was good to get everyone ice time through the weekend and test the players under all different circumstances.
“I think we improved massively from Saturday to Sunday.
“Penalties cost us across the weekend and special teams were the difference. There’s new rules this season that we have another weekend to work on before we hit the season proper.”
Bracknell face two games against Romford Raiders this weekend, away on Saturday (5.15pm) before welcoming them to The Hive on Sunday (6pm).
