Weekend Teaser: Probably the best weekend so far this season

Probably the best weekend so far this season

Back to two imports, having our coach on the bench and a three point weekend

We had all been counting the games until Dominik Gabaj could return to the Bees lineup following his 10 game suspension and in a way it was fitting that his first game back was an away fixture in Basingstoke which was the same rink he played his first ever game for the Bees. On his debut for the Bees he was impressive and the same could be said of this game too. Bees were to go into the period 1 break with a 1-0 lead courtesy of Lewis English . After the break, Bison were to draw the game level before Jack Goodchild gave the Bees the lead again on his debut, This period saw the most blatant too many men on the ice not get called against the Bison, it was obvious to everyone other than the officials and Bison couldn't believe their luck. The period ended 2-1 to the Bees. Period 3 was a tight affair with Bison throwing everything they could at the Bees net. Bees were to go on the penalty kill for a too many men call of all penalties and Bison were to use the opportunity to tie the game at 2-2. Bees were to go ahead again, Dom Gabaj was on target after receiving a rebound from the back boards putting Bees 3-2 up. With just over 3 minutes remaining in the period, Dom was to head to the penalty box on a high sticks call and Bison called a timeout. Now I'm not an expert but I still can't comprehend why they returned to the ice with Mettam still in goal, with an extra man and a face off in the Bees end. They waited a further 41 seconds before they eventually pulled Mettam for the extra skater. Bees returned to full strength and worked so hard to keep the Bison at bay. All their hard work paid off when the buzzer called time on the night. Jack Goodchild picked up the man of the match for the Bees, a worthy winner with his outstanding debut. 

On Sunday afternoon Bees welcomed Sheffield Steeldogs to Slough, a team who comfortably sit fourth in the league. Bees were short on the bench tonight as the players on two way deals were absent as well as Juha who did not ice this weekend. The first period was a tight affair, the Bees fans gave out a big cheer when Steeldogs were called for too many men, this joy was to be shortlived as Steeldogs were to take the lead with a short handed goal timed at 18.41. The period was to end with this goal dividing the teams. The second period saw the Bees tie the game with a fantastic goal scored by Stuart Mogg and then take the lead within a minute with Domink Gabaj finding the net. Steeldogs were to tie the game at 32.57 and then take the lead with a powerplay goal at 35.51. Bees weren't having any of it and a nicely placed shot by Webby brought the Bees level again at 37.41 and the scoreline remained at 3 a piece as the teams headed into the changing rooms at the second period break. The third period saw Steeldogs take the lead but Bees drew level again with a goal from Josh Smith (a recent returnee from injury) and these were the last goals in regulation time with a scoreline of 4-4. Overtime started and finished in a flash as Steeldogs found the net in just 17 seconds. 

The Bees should be delighted with the three points from the weekend, there were many outstanding performances and the team definitely have found their mojo again. 

Player of the Weekend Results

Not an easy week to chose with so many stand out performances but on his return from suspension your player of the weekend was Dominik Gabaj with 47% of the vote, Alan Lack came second with 30%. Many congratulations to Dom. Who will be up for the vote this weekend?

You can view all our player of the weekend winners from the last 2 seasons here: Bees IHC Fans Database

Coming up - a Friday night visit from the Wildcats before a Saturday away trip to Milton Keynes

Friday night sees the Swindon Wildcats visit Slough in a fixture that was rearranged from earlier in the season. Wildcats currently sit 5th in the league with the Raiders close on their heels. So far this season Bees and Wildcats have met twice sharing the spoils with one win each. The Wildcats biggest offensive threats come from Tomasz Malasinski, Aaron Nell, Russell Cowley, Colby Tower and Chris Jones and you have to feel that Bees need to pepper the goal with netminders Renny Marr and Dean Skinns currently sitting on save percentages of .895% and .848% respectively.  This game is definitely not one to miss! 

Bees head to Milton Keynes on Saturday evening, who are currently second in the league. Lightning are a difficult team to play, not only due to the depth and quality in their roster but also due to the intimidating atmosphere of their rink. Lightning go into this fixture on the back of a 6-3 loss to the Raiders but Bees will still have their work cut out for them. Slough Jets are playing on Saturday night so the Bees will not be able to benefit from the players on two way deals, however they have shown on their night they are a match for anyone and hopefully the good form we experienced last weekend will continue in our bid to climb further up the league table.