29/11/09 - HORNETS 12 - 0 Peterborough Islanders
The Hornets returned to the ice for the first time in 3 weeks and did so in great fashion as they faced the bottom of the league side. The story of the night was a hat-trick of hat-tricks as Brad Watchorn, Mark Galazzi and Ben Duggan all registered 3 goals on the night.
In the first period the Islanders did themselves justice and showed why they have pushed a few teams close this year despite remaining pointless. They worked hard and appeared to be organised, operating a number of systems that haulted the Hornets attack. That coupled with a solid performance by Simon Wren meant that the first period was very competitive ending 1-0 after Alex Barker picked out Brad Watchorn in the slot for his first tally of the night.
As the second period got underway things seemed on the up for the Hornets as Watchorn doubled his tally after just 29 seconds but even with the early set back the Islanders were not ready to roll over. In fact the visitors mustered some of the best offence of the period ensuring David Wride remained focused and that he did making a number of big saves to keep the Islanders scoreless. Mark Galazzi netted before Watchorn completed his hat-trick and Tony Barclay completed the scoring for the second period.
The third period saw the game change as eventually the Peterborough side gave in to tiredness or just accepted defeat as the Hornets were able to put 7 unanswered goals on the board. Ben Duggan kicked things off with a natural hat-trick inside 8 minutes to get the Hornets buzzing. Mark Galazzi then capped his hat-trick performance before Tony Barclay put in a contender for best goal by meeting a Matt Ovenden centring pass with a thunderous one timer sending the puck over Wrens shoulder into the roof of the net for a real highlight goal. Rookie Craig Parker concluded the evenings scoring with a nice solo effort, opting to go it alone whilst on a 2-1 and finding the 5 hole.
In the end the Hornets ran out comfortable winners and in truth didnt really have to get out of second gear. However, the scoreline does not do the Islanders justice as for a period and a half they showed they are a competitive team capable of doing much better this year. David Wride was called into action on a number of occasions and played exceptionally well to turn aside all 24 shots and record his first shut out of the year. With 3 seperate hat-tricks on the night their was no shortage of man of the match candidates but the award was given to Brad Watchorn who showed hes got a lot more than just fists.
07/11/09 - Wightlink Raiders 3 - 6 HORNETS
The Hornets made their first trip of the year across the water to the island to face the Raiders. The Hornets had previously defeated the Raiders on home ice earlier in the year, narrowly beating them 3-2. However, a new lease of life had recently seen them turn over the Dynamos and therefore confidence was high they could get another 2 points from Wightlink. Aided by the return to form by Craig Tribe the Hornets were able to make the trip back to the mainland happy and with the 2 points they came for.
The game started as you would expect from 2 sides vying to finish at the top of the league, at a fast pace and full of action. The home side looked to gain control of the momentum early on as the Hornets took time to adjust to the small ice pad. Their normal game based on speed was seriously hampered with the ice being congested and the turn over rate was high meaning David Wride saw a lot of shots in the first. However, Wride was in magnificent form and it was his stops that lead to the Hornets taking the lead. Mark Galazzi worked hard in the corner to move the puck up high to Brad Watchorn whose smart feed found Alex Barker in the slot who one timed to open the scoring at 9.23. However, the lead was shot lived as the Raiders got one back whilst Gareth Wheeler was in the box. The Raiders powerplay got to work with Jeremy Cornish making a nuisance of himself before Steve Gosset finished the move off.
In the second period the Hornets had appeared to get the grips with their game plan as they did a much better job of dealing with the Raiders attack whilst improving on their own. At 27.32 Craig Tribe made his first mark of the night whilst on the powerplay. Stuart Tait was in the box for Wightlink giving Tribe the extra space to find the back of the net and regain the lead for the Hornets. The game then saw a couple of Match penalties handed out. Firstly, to Steve Gosset who accidentally caught Mark Galazzi on the face off but drew blood giving the refs no choice. Then seconds later the same call was made against the Hornets but refs didnt see who was responsible and Gareth wheeler headed for an early shower. The period looked to be heading to a close when Craig Tribe was again involved in the play moving the puck to Ben Duggan who in turn found James Galazzi in front of the net who kicked the puck round Cooley before sliding it home with just 17 seconds remaining.
The third period started in a flury of action to suggest the game was far from over. Andrew Robinson was given a minor penalty to let the Hornets powerplay get to action again. Ben Duggan picked up his third assist to set up Craig Tribe who had found his scoring touch again as he bagged his second of the night at 42.58. Next up was a harsh too many men call against the Hornets which gave the Raiders the extra skater and they used it to good measure as Jeremy Cornish ran David Wride from his crease leaving Damon Larter an open net to shoot into at 43.31 to make it a 2 goal game. However, 48 seconds later and the Hornets had re-established the 3 goal led as Mark Galazzi from behind the net fed the puck into the slot only for it to get caught on Cooley's skate and redirect into the net. Another bout of penalties came soon after as the Hornets were assessed a minor penalty for slashing but Andrew Robinson wasn't happy and threw down the gloves and started landing punches on James Galazzi who kept is calm to even up the penalties. Robinson received a Match penalty for his efforts. At 50.43 Craig Tribe annouced his return to form as he completed his hat trick if even in unspectacular style. Blair Dubyks pass managed to redirect off of Tribes skate and over Toby Cooley's shoulder. The Raiders had the last say in the scoring though and it came short handed as a result of some sloppy play when Dan Hughes found himself on a breakaway and left David Wride helpless to stop his shot.
In the end the Hornets put in another very good display to show that they are well and truely back on track to finding some form. They adapted well to the smalled ice surface and didnt falter under Wightlinks physical presence and came away deserved winners. The result will signal the Hornet's intent to return to competitive form and they will definately what to face the top teams in this form. On the night David Wride could definately have a shout for Man of the Match facing 47 shoots but back with a bang Craig Tribe collected the award with 4 points on the night.
01/11/09 - Haringey Greyhounds 2 - 9 HORNETS
With the celebration of the previous night barely over the Hornets were back in action, making the trip to north London to face Haringey at Alexandra Palace. The Hornets started the game at the same pace they finished the Invicta one and before 10 minutes had elasped on the clock and the Hornets were 5-0 up.
From the opening face off the Hornets took control and spent the vast majority camped in the Greyhounds zone. On the second shift of the game, James Galazzi won a face off straight to Ben Duggan who opened the scoring from close range. Next up was Alan Lack who capitalised whilst on a delayed penatly. Matt Ovenden passed to Lack who duely finished the play off to continue his fine run of form whilst 'playing up' for the Hornets. The third goal came on exactly 6 minutes when the inform Alex Barker picked out Brad Watchorn on the left wing who fird past Graeme Bird. Alex Barker then got himself on the score sheet on the powerplay. With Michael Ranby sitting a minor penalty for hi-sticking the Hornets first unit only needed 51 seconds before Barker found a way past Bird. Less than 2 minutes later and Bird was once again picking it out of his net when Barker once again found Watchhorn who this time sent a fast centring pass towards Mark Galazzi who smartly redirected the puck into the top corner on the 10 minute mark. Strangely, having gone 5-0 up the scoring dried up a bit and the period faded out without anymore scoring.
Luckily the second period saw the goals continue and 31 seconds after the restart and it was 6 nil. Craig Tribe moved the puck down low to James Galazzi who found Ben Duggan in the slot to push the puck past the keeper at the far post. 2 minutes later and Matt Ovenden was on the score sheet with a legitimate goal. Tony Barclay taking credit for the hard work to set up Ovenden who continued Haringeys misery. Barely another couple of minutes past before the next goal. James Galazzi again winning the face off back to Gareth Wheeler whose shot was blocked but not handled by Bird and Galazzi was able to latch onto the rebound and slot home to single the end of Bird's evening. With James Tipple in goal for the Greyhounds the goals once again dried up has he came up with some fine saves to keep the game scoreless for another 10 minutes. At 36.12 the game livened up as the period was brought to a premature conclusion to resurface and clear some blood. Michael Ranby and Brad Watchorn clashed behind the play and the two dropped the gloves. As the pair came together they both led with some big punches but Watchorn clearly had the better of the scrap until Ranby caught Watchorn on the jaw, splitting his lip and spilling some claret as he did it. In the aftermarth, Scott Beeson and James Galazzi clashed with Beeson jumping on top of Galazzi throwing punches prompting Watchorn to return from the penalty box along with Perry Richardson to join the affray. Watchorn and Ranby both received 2+2 roughing and Beeson and Galazzi getting just the 2 each. Richardson and Watchorn both got 2+2+2+Game for leaving the penalty box as both teams were sent back to their rooms early.
In the final 3 minutes of the second period that were played out after the restart, Beeson decided he didnt want to fight fair as he declined the opportunity so the Hornets returned to the goals as Ovenden bagged his second of the night again following industrious work by Barclay down low. Following the change of ends the game slowed down and once again the goals dried up. The Greyhounds seemed very intimidated as a result of the physical play and as such it killed the atmosphere of the game. Both sides appeared happy to let the game run down without further incident.
Once again any number of players could have collected the Man of the Match award but in the end Tom Avery picked up the accolade for yet another calm and collected performance.
31/10/09 - HORNETS 4 - 3 Invicta Dynamos
The Hornets were always going to need some luck to compliment their hard work if they were to beat last years Champions and some luck is what they got. With the game tied at 3-3 with little over 10 minutes to go, Matt Ovenden crossed the red line and sent the puck into the Invicta zone, however with Kemp taking position behind his net to stop the puck, it took a freaky bounce off of a stantion and went directly into the net for what proved to be the game winner.
As lucky as the goal was though, the Hornets were worthy winners in what was a very tight and tense game. As the game got under way the action swung from end to end as you would expect from 2 fast skating sides and both goal tenders were called into action early on, with Alex Barker and Peter Vaisanen having the pick of the chances. As is always the case in tight games it was on a powerplay that the deadlock was broken. Matt Ovenden was serving a boarding penatly and the Dynamos offensive unit got to work. The Hornets did look to be containing the threat well Tm Smith picked out Andy Smith at the back post only to touch back across goal to Nicky Lewis who one timed it to the back of the net. Going a goal down seemed to give the Hornets a boost as they started to over run the Dynamos. Alex Barker had a powerful drive blocked by Kemp and then saw a breakaway chance go begging as he couldnt get his shot on target. Despite having the majority of the play though the Hornets couldnt equalise before the period was up.
In the second period, the Dynamos came out the stronger but again some fine stops by David Wride inspired the Hornets to press on again and the equaliser finally came when Alex Barker made light work of break down the left flank before centring to Mark Galazzi in the slot who beat Kemp for the first time. From the restart there were no signs of the Hornets letting up and Tom Avery collected the puck deep in the defensive zone before switching to James Galazzi who sent a long pass up ice to Ben Duggan who capitalised on the flat footed 'Mos defence to race in and give the Hornets the lead. However, this period of play saw the goals come thick and fast and in the next shift Andy Smith was again responsible for setting up Nicky Lewis as his pass was met by Lewis' stick and evaded Wride to tie the game up. The goals weren't finished either and a minute later the Dynamos were on the attack again. They moved the puck well and former Bracknell player Jack Tarczycki took a slap shoot from the point and it looked to be going well wide until clipping Matt Ovenden's stick and being redirected past a helpless David Wride to once again give the visitors the lead.
In the third period the Hornets came out with a clear hunger. They tested Kemp early on and again had the better of the play. Ben Duggan came close to equalising when his powerful shot rang off of the bar and flew to safety. However, the Hornets didnt give up and they did tie the game when Brad Watchorn picked out Alex Barker who entered the Dynamos zone and sent a vicious wrist shot over Kemps shoulder to send the water bottle flying in what was the pick of the evenings goals. With the game poised and the result uncertain the Hornets got their bit of luck as Ovenden's dump eluded everyone including Kemp as it bounced off of the plexi glass and went straight in to give the Hornets the lead with only 10 minutes to go. Bizarrely, Kemp was replaced by White at this stage to see the game out and White was called staright into action when he made a very quick glove save to deny Mark Galazzi's second of the night. With the clock counting down the Hornets continued to apply pressure to keep the puck in the visitors end and away from danger leaving the Dynamos unable to prevent the final buzzing and their first defeat of the season.
The game was of high quality and played in the right spirit and the Hornets were rightfully rewarded for some stella work. The forecheck continually disrupted the Dynamos flow and their hard work in their own end was clear to see as Invicta were limited to any real scoring chances which often saw bodies diving behind Wride to keep the puck out at all costs. Their could have been any number of candidates for the Man of the Match including exceptional performances from Alex Barker, Blair Dubyk and David Wride but in the end the award went to the game winner Matt Ovenden who had played solid throughout.
25/10/09 - HORNETS 7 - 2 Haringey Greyhounds
Another straight forward victory saw the Hornets claim their second 4 point weekend of the season against weaker opposition. The greyhounds finished in bottom place last year and are looking for considerable improvement this time round, however there was little evidence of this on show. The Greyhounds showed up with just 12 skaters but to their credit they battled on to the end.
The Hornets had very little to do in their own defensive zone for much of the night as the vast majority of the play focused in the visitor's end, as the shots on goal count supported. The Hornets managed 59 to the Greyhound's 17 but really with the amount of pressure and quality of chances, this should have seen their goal scoring tally reach at least double figures.
The Hornets opened the scoring through James Galazzi after Graham Bellemy initially set up Craig Tribe at 07.04 but with the home team taking an early penalty, the Greyhounds were given the chance to get back in the game. Just 17 seconds into the powerplay Chris Fox had a drive from the point blocked by Andy Biart but the Hornets defence were slow to react and Michael Ranby stepped in to tie the game. The Hornets then got themselves back in front using a powerplay for their own advantage. Craig Tribe and James Galazzi worked the puck well down low before a centring pass was one timer into the top corner by Alex Barker at 15.45. Before the period was over Craig Parker managed to stamp his own authority on the game as he rounded off 2 goals in 6 seconds late on to take the Hornets in at the break 4-1 up.
Alex Barker completed his hat trick scoring goals either side of Ben Duggan's effort at 38.55 to extend the score to 7-1. The Greyhounds picked up another consolation as Michael Ranby bagged his second of the night to conclude the scoring. The game was all but over by this time though and probably should have been more as the Hornets wasted opportunity after opportunity.
In the end, it was a more than comfortable victory for the Hornets who in truth were very rarely tested. Worringly though they lacked any kind of conviction in front of net and against stronger oppostion these wasted chances could translate to more points dropped.
24/10/09 - Peterborough Islanders 2 - 11 HORNETS
A brief rest bite in the Hornets schedule saw them travel to bottom of the league Peterborough, a game in which they were very rary challenged in any area. Offensively, the Hornets have struggled this season, so to outshoot their opponents 88 to 29 was very promising as was the 11 goals but even against a poor opposition their were still some defensive frailties that remain unaddressed.
With the lines reshuffled, the new look Hornets got on top early where they remained for much of the game. Ben Duggan started with his 2 goals, including a short handed effort, to give the Hornets a 2 nil lead inside the first 10 minutes and set the Hornets on the their way. Alan Lack, called up from the Drones picked up 2 goals also to continue his solid season and tough guy Brad Watchorn put in a man of the match performance as he scored a hat trick.
James Galazzi and Alex Barker picked up goals too in the victory as did Craig Tribe. The much anticipated strike from last years top goal scorer was number 11 of the night for the Hornets and came at 51.30 whilst killing a penalty. It was looking like the his season opener wouldnt come as he had been denied on numerous occasions by both netminder and metal work.
The final goal scorer was Matt Ovenden who had a Gordie Howe hat trick in only his second start of the year with the fight being instigated by a kneeing infraction that saw Ovenden assessed a Match penalty. Jon Brammall challenged the Hornets import after the incident and the 2 dropped the gloves but it was short lived with Ovenden quickly over powering the Isles defender.
At the other end veteran Ross MacKintosh was able to record 2 goals against his own name as he capitised on Hornets mistakes to score a goal a piece past both Hornets net minders. David Wride started the game and played the first 2 periods before Andy Biart took over. For the Islanders, Ryan Bainborough is still over looked as a starter. Last year against the Hornets, Bainborough deputised for Kelly Herring and always the looked the stronger when coming in to net. The same was true of this game. Simon Wren started the game and conceded 6 in 36 shots. He was then replaced by Bainborough who faced 52 shots and looked more than comfortable despite allowing 5 goals.
All in all it was a case of job done and another 2 points on the board. As the scoreline suggests the Islanders never really put up a fight and the Hornets won at a canter however against a team of that quality allowing 29 shots against and 2 goals still gives cause for concern.
17/10/09 - HORNETS 1 - 3 Oxford Stars
For the second time this year in games against Oxford, a Hornets match ended in drama as they pulled their netminder in favour of an extra skater. Unfortunately though with 18 seconds to go any hopes of a point was put to bed as Dean Francis fired the puck into an empty net to secure a 3-1 victory for his team.
Despite the addition of Mark Galazzi who iced in his first Hornets match, the team performance was well below par yet again and now 10 games into the season questions have to be asked if this team can get it together.
Defensively, the Hornets faired much better in the first period than they did last week but a combination of poor discipline and poor officiating throughout the game meant very little 5 on 5 play and the opening session finished scoreless.
The deadlock was broken by the visiting team 5 minutes into the second period when a strong centring pass from new import Ken Forshee was redirected to the top corner by Andy Cox leaving Dave Wride unable to do anything about it. The Hornets did manage to pull back level before the 2nd intermission and unsurprisingly with the amount of minors they were taking they scored short handed as Craig Tribe and Alex Barker broke away on a 2 on 1 with the former sending a clever saucer pass to Barker at the back post where he beat Jackson at 38.45.
Early in the third period and there was some controversy as Oxford beat Wride only for the puck to stop on the goal line. Referee Belanger signalled the goal before fierce protests saw him confer with his linesmen and then the goal judge only to back track and correctly wave the goal off. The let off seemed to go unnoticed by the Hornets as the very next shift and the Stars had the puck in the net and took the lead. Ken Forshee had his drive blocked but Yousif Abu Saada followed up and scored his first goal in a Stars jersey at 46.14.
With the game near to its conclusion the Hornets pulled David Wride to go with 6 skaters and despite one good opportunity to tie the game, Dean Francis eventually broken down the Hornets pressure and sent the puck down to the unmanned goal to finish the game off.
The Hornets did put in a better defensive display than last week but still there are far too many errors and any transition from defensive to offensive is almost void. Far too many wayward passes and turnovers in the neutral zone mean that this current Hornets team show very little in the way of any goal scoring threat and whilst there was spurts of effort, its all a little too inconsistant to trouble any of the stronger teams. David Wride once again received the Man of the Match award for turning away 36 shots but its going to be back to square one for the Hornets this week as with each week that passes they are running out of excuses.
11/10/09 - Invicta Dynamos 5 - 1 HORNETS
Sunday night saw the Hornets first match up against last years nemisis as they travelled to Gillingham to face the Dynamos, and they did so without influential captain Dom Hopkins, speedy winger Grant Rounding, Import Mark McCoy and Jason Falsetta.
The game was won or more importantly lost in the first period as the Dynamos were able to rush to a healthy lead with 4 unanswered goals in the opening frame and despite the Dynamos significant fire power there was a lot of incompetence from the Hornets which aided the home side.
David Wride was called straight into action early on and made some fine saves but was beaten after only 3.32. A wayward pass found the stick of Andy Smith who picked out Dynamos import player Peter Vaisanen who made light work of beating Wride. The Hornets did create some chances for themselves but they were generally wasted in an all to familar style. Vaisanen was then involved again when the Hornets gifted him possession as they attempted to attack and the Canadian finished excellently as he rounded 3 Hornets before deking Wride out of position and sliding the puck in guided by just a one handed back hand. The third goal David Wride will definately want back. Andy Smith gained the Hornets zone before a drop pass gave Nicky Lewis the opportunity to drive one on net and despite Wride getting his glove to it, he could do nothing to stop the puck looping over and into the net at 13.55. Before the first period was up the Dynamos punished the Hornets further, this time short handed on an all too familar 'home run' play. The Dynamos fired the puck high into the air and down the ice for speedy forward Andy Smith to skate on to but even though the play paid off it was infact summer arrival Joe Johnston who gained possesion and beat Wride low at 19.14.
The Hornets came out for the second period looking completely different as they emerged organised and a lot more disciplined. The result was they were able to break up the Dynamos attack more frequently. However, having come to terms to with the defensive play the Hornets made little progress at the opposite end either wasting good scoring chances or finding Joe White in great form.
In the third period the game became slightly scrappy as the two teams cancelled each other out and the puck was trapped on the boards a lot. However, the Hornets managed to craft a chance with Blair Dubyk breaking the puck out and finding Tony Barclay to touch into the path of James Galazzi who drove wide before centring to Alan Lack who did extremely well to control and beat White at 43.13 It was to be just a consolation though as they didnt put any more on the board and Invicta finished the evenings scoring as Andy Smith rounded David Wride after some nice play by Vaisanen and from a very acute angle found the back of the net.
Before the end of the game there was some time for some rough stuff although it was a bit of an anti climax. Vaisanen showed the more agressive side of his game as he dished out a cross check, which was retaliated to by Matt Ovenden before the two lost the gloves and endured a wrestling bout up against the plexi. Both received 6 minutes in minors.
A complete first period lapse cost the Hornets as it took them 20 minutes before they were working as a unit and then even when they got it together their offence was stumped by an inform Joe White. Both goal tenders took the Man of the Match accolades for excellent performances at either end.
04/10/09 - Milton Keynes Thunder 4 - 7 HORNETS
Having beaten the Thunder the night before at home, the Hornets travelled to Milton Keynes full of confidence even without Craig Tribe in the line up and gave Andy Biart his first start of the year.
Unfortunately for Biart though, he didnt get the support of a team in front of him as the Hornets continued as if they were winning 13-2. The early over confidence paid off as Ben Duggan and James Galazzi both picked up short handed goals early on followed by a Tom Avery effort whilst 4 on 4. However, going 3 nil up inside the first 10 minutes let the complacency set in and some howling individual errors left Andy Biart with a lot of work to do on his debut. Before the period was over the Thunder had pulled the score back to 2-3 followign Jacob Heron and Ross Horsley efforts.
The final periods were much the same with strong offensive plays mixed in with defensive howlers to keep MK's spirits high. The Hornets did manage to grind out three period wins though with braces coming from Brad Watchorn and Alan Lack to ensure the Hornets collected their first 4 point weekend of the season and shoot them back up the table.
The Thunder did continue to play hard and throw everything they had at the Hornets but missing a few bodies they just werent capable of causing an upset and in the end despite being a very shabby performance the Hornets were able to hold on to a comfortable victory. The home side did find the back on the net in each of the final two periods again follwing defensive lapse with Keiron Goody and Jamie Holland being credited with the goals.
On a negative note though, the Hornets were struck down with a few injury problems. Matt Roberts did his best to take out Dom Hopkins with a wildly miss timed check that caught the veteran blue liner in the knee, and despite his reputation wasn't interested were Hopkins called his number. Jason Falsetta had to leave the game just before the 2nd intermission after suffering a back complaint that looked more than innocuous and he was joined early in the showers by James Galazzi who also picked up an upper body injury that forced him to retire from the game. Bizarrely though Galazzi picked up the Man of the Match award for the Hornets despite only managing around half the game.
03/10/09 - HORNETS 13 - 2 Milton Keynes Thunder
Craig Tribe's return to the line up saturday night was short lived as he had to be withdrawn part way through the second period and ommitted to hospital after being caught in the face by a stray stick. His return though did inspire the Hornets to their biggest win of the year in the first leg on a home and away series against Milton Keynes.
Missing only Grant Rounding the Hornets could boast a full 4 lines to take into the game and despite Milton Keynes every efforts there was little they could do to stop the Hornets.
Hat tricks from Alex Barker and Tony Barclay helped the Hornets on their way as they picked up a much needed 2 points after a slow start to the season.
The script hadnt been written early though as 4 minutes into the game and the visitors opened the scoring. Jamie Holland was gifted a chance after the otherwise reliable new man Blair Dubyk turned the puck over in the high slot. Holland gratefully dispatched to put his team ahead. The Hornets responded well finding the net even handly 4 times with out reply. Jamie Holland chipped in with his second of the night for the visitors to make a game of it at 4-2, but the Hornets powerplay sprung into action and led the way as the Hornets registered 9 goals without reply to wrap up the points.
At 8-2 the Thunder decided to change net minders with Kevin McGurk logging some ice time but he was not made to feel welcome at the Hive conceding his first shot after only 7 seconds. In truth there were flashes of brilliance from the Hornets, with the likes of plays that saw them through to the Southern Play Off Final last year and the Thunder could not cope with the speed of attack that the Hornets displayed.
As well as Barker and Barclay, Dom Hopkins and Ben Duggan both chipped in with a brace each, with Hopkins finally finding the net from the point. Blair Dubyk got his first goal for the Hornets as did graduated Drone Craig Parker, who scored the pick off the bunch with a very clever redirect into the top corner. Brad Watchorn also opened his account from behind the goal line after a rather fortuitous bounce off the defender saw him break the duck.
The result proved to be a great confidence boost to the Hornets, who have endured a tough start and have struggled to find any consistency against firm opposition so far, and also be a strong building block to take into the away fixture in Milton Keynes.
With two hat tricks, seven different scorers and a whole host of strong performances through out the team picking the Man of the Match awards was no easy feat but in the end the accolade was picked up by a very deserving Blair Dubyk who has been outstanding since arriving in Bracknell this summer.
27/09/09 - Cardiff ENL Devils 5 - 2 HORNETS
24 hours had passed since the last game and a completely different team emerged in Bracknell colours. It was the same team list as the night before but they produced a far greater performance, at least in terms of quality and effort. Discipline was the downfall on the night as the Hornets collected 5 minors in the final period and effectively capitulated.
With the game poised at 2-2 heading into the third period David James scored on the power play, taking his scoring tally against the Hornets this year to 5, as did Chris Jones to give the ENL Devils an insurmountable lead. An empty net goal at 59.20 ended the game 5-2 in the Welsh teams favour and masked what was a thoroughly entertaining and even game.
With Cardiff having visited the Hive on the opening day of the season and embarassing the Hornets to their first defeat, the thought of putting that right would be fresh in Hornet minds. With no other motivation needed the game got off to a very fast start with both teams playing their part in an open game. The first period threathened to end scoreless with both goal keepers displaying excellent ability but a break through there was, and it came in favour of the home team when David James took full advantage of his chance to net at 16.06.
Not fazed by going a goal behind the Hornets came back strong in the second period and controlled large periods of play setting up well in the Devils zone. It was looking as though their recent lack of offensive prowess would bare its head again but that was before Dom Hopkins went on an inspired rush deep in to an offensive corner where he showed great close control and sticking handling to fend off the physical challenges of the Devils defence before finding Tom Avery at the back post who did well to force Brabons hand before beating him high at 24.40.
Growing in confidence brought on by David Wride's resistance the Hornets pushed on and took the lead. A quick break out saw the Hornets catch Cardiff on the hop as Tom Avery sent a long pass to Alex Barker who cleverly touched the puck into Ben Duggans path who crossed the blue line and let go a vicious slap shot which was too hot for Brabon to handle at 34.39. With the Hornets really starting to find their feet it looked as if they were to take a lead going into the third but unfortunately Cardiff found an equaliser as Steven Fisher finally managed to beat David Wride at 37.56.
Entering the third period, the game was tied in almost every way. Goals, shots and possession were all about equal so the last 20 minutes promised to be a nail biter but as is so often the case in Ian Hayden reffed games he took centre stage and became a little too whislte friendly. Whilst feeling a little aggrieved there can be no excuse to a break down in discipline and not all the blame can land at the feet of the referee as Mr Hayden handed out 10 minutes of penalties all in the last 10 mintues of the game against the Hornets. As if beating Cardiff wasnt tough enough 5 on 5, the Hornets would now need to do it with one less skater. This proved too difficult for even a spirited Hornets side and the inevitable occured. With Mike Plenty and Ben Johnson both serving minors Cardiff got the game winner. Despite some fantastic efforts by David Wride saving shot after shot, a bounce finally went against him with the puck falling to the inform David James in front of an open net at 54.26. Then again at 57.38 Chris Jones put the puck away whilst on the power play with Ben Duggan serving a minor penalty for what looked like a very clean hit on veteran Brent Pope.
Desperate to get something from the game, David Wride was pulled from his net and even though the Hornets did set up well, a break down let Tim Burrows in for a easy tap in at 59.20.
With the game all but over there was just enough time for the tough guys to flex there muscles as Phil Manny emerged to line up along side Brad Watchorn. The action came to a bit of an anti-climax as the 2 fighters came together in what resembled a hugging bout rather than any fisticuffs.
It was by far the most impressive performance by the Hornets this season and with a few key players still missing or not at 100% there were a lot of positives that could be taken from this game however poor discipline is not a problem often linked with the Hornets so coach Cox will be hoping it was just a one off as they get ready to face Milton keynes this week end in the home and away series.
MoM award was given to Ben Duggan for yet another exciting performance and well taken goal.
26/09/09 - HORNETS 2 - 4 Chelmsford Chieftains
Inept defending and incompetent offence was the order of the day for the Hornets as they were downed by the Chelmsford Chieftains in front of a home crowd. They twice equalised on the night but in the end came up short against an inform net minder.
Bizarre referring on the night led to a constant stream of powerplays for both sides which led to an open start of end to end hockey. Chelmsford broke the deadlock when BT Williams, returning from suspension, was able to ease his way from the face off circle towards the Bracknell goal and beat David Wride at 5.25. Bracknell responded well though and tied the game whilst killing a penalty. Alex Barker broke the puck out and entered the Chieftains zone before picking out a killer pass to Ben Duggan who delayed perfectly to force Moffat to committ himself before roofing the puck at 6.37. Duggan thought he had scored again later in the period when an inviting empty net was taken away by an outstanding Andy Moffat making a highlight reel save to deny the Bracknell forward.
Just before the period brake Hornets defenceman Graham Bellemy took an interference penalty which would see them start the second period a man short. The visitors wasted no time in using the advantage even if it came with a lot of luck. Blaho Novak centred a strong pass which took an unfortunate deflection before beating Dave Wride at 20.52. Just as in the first period the Hornets fought straight back to tie the game at 22.26. Some great play by Brad Watchorn down low created some space in the Chieftains zone as he moved the puck to Mike Plenty on the point whose slap shot was redirected in front by Mark McCoy for a score against his former team.
Things started to heat up in the middle period as Novak started to continue his 'stick work' from the Hornets first encounter against the Chieftains which seemed to rile the Hornets and in particular, James Galazzi who also took umbrage in the previous fixture. Novak soon scampered to his bench and was replaced by Chieftains tough guy BT Williams who lined up against Galazzi, however an fisticuffs were soon quashed by the arrival of Brad Watchorn to the face off circle. Novak did get his just deserts though later as was assessed a match penalty for high sticks although it must be said this was the one time the youngster could probably feel hard done by, as a big open ice hit rendered him powerless to stop his stick rising and catching Blair Dubyk in the mouth.
At 29.45 the Chieftains took the lead again when Aaron Connolly found Wride's 5 hole from close range. This goal was followed by successive Hornet penalties as Watchorn, Galazzi and McCoy all made their way to the sin bin. Whilst on a 5-3 powerplay the Away team doubled their lead when Sean Eastons shot from distance eluded Dave Wride at 34.46.
The final Chieftains goal appeared to signal the end for the Hornets as even though a spirited fight back ensued they seemed void of any real offensive threat. They did manage to outshoot the visitors in the final period but the shots that werent speculative were matched by a very inform Andy Moffat.
In the end the Chieftains were comfortable winners as the Hornets put in another well below par performance. The powerplay looked completely lost and despite numerous 5-3 chances in the Hornets favour it wasnt always easy to see which team had the advantage. Man of the Match awards were to both teams net minders for equally strong performances at either end of the ice.
20/09/09 - Oxford Stars 4 - 3 HORNETS
Tonights game boiled down to missed opportunities for the Hornets as for the second time in as many games, conceding a last minute goal cost them points. At 59.30 Oxfords captain Darren Elliott completed his hat-trick on the powerplay to prevent the Hornets any points on a night when they should have taken 2.
A performance that was much improved again on that of recent weeks saw them equal or better the Stars in almost every department apart from finishing, and it was missed chances that cost the Hornets the points as chance after chance went begging.
Typical of last years performances the Hornets came out in the first period at full speed and soon found themselves on top after only 1.14 when a sweeping movement saw the Hornets forwards get in behind the Stars defence allowing Mark McCoy time and space to beat James Skaife from a tight angle. The Hornets didnt let up either and put full pressure of the Stars capitalising again when a centring pass was converted by James Galazzi at 6.57.
It was when 2 goals up, that the Hornet's troubles started as a number of chances were squandered both through poor finishing and some solid net minding. James Galazzi was guilty of wasting a number of glorious scoring chances and later, leading goal scorer Alex Barker had his chance to put the game to bed but failed to convert.
With every chance missed the Stars grew in confidence, and in the second period they came back into the game and crucially took their goals well. Firstly, Darren Elliott pulled one back on the powerplay on a nice redirection from Shannon Taylor at 29.27 and almost immediately at 30.06 the scores were tired when Grant Bailey found space at the back post to tap in another Shannon Taylor pass.
Half way through the game and the score was tired and the momentum was shifting back towards the home team and despite the Hornets still working hard and applying lots of pressure the Stars got their 3rd goal without reply when a defensive lapse handed Darren Elliott a break away that he took with aplomb at 47.36.
The Hornets did show some good character though to fight back and break the Stars increasing momentum and again crafted good opportunities but failed to score until 57.12 when a rushing Tom Avery broke into the Stars zone and roofed the puck past Skaife to set up a tense finish. The Hornets, back on top, looked likely to go on and win the game until poor discipline cost them at the end. Dom Hopkins took a 2 minute minor at 57.41 and then 15 seconds later David Wride was assessed a 2 minute minor for tripping meaning the Hornets had to see the game out 5-3, but unfortunately it was not to be as Elliott capped a fine display with his third and secured both the points leaving the Hornets very frustrated.
Truth be told, the Hornets had the better of this game and though supported by the 56 to 36 shots total, this also highlights the need to take the chances and the Hornets certainly failed in that area. Positives can be taken but there is still lots to work on ahead of yet another tough weekend for the Hornets.
MoM awards were given to stars Richard Wojciak and Hornet Ben Duggan for another tireless performance.
13/09/09 - Chelmsford Chieftains 2 - 2 HORNETS
Hornets had put in a hard fought performance the night before and then needed to travel to league leaders Chelmsford Chieftains. Still missing some key players the Hornets knew they would have to keep the momentum of the previous nights game if they had any chance of getting anything from this game. The Hornets would have been very happy with a point at the start of the evening but has events unfolding they soon became unhappy that they didnt have two.
Luckily for the Hornets any nerves were given the chance to pass as they found themselves with a man advantage within 2 minutes into the game. With the extra man the Hornets were able to set up in the Chieftains end and pepper the goalie. Unfortunately for them though they came up against an inform Andy Moffat. It provided a good start to the game for the Hornets as although they didnt capitalise off the early chances they soon got their game going and played their part in a very entertaining opening period. Much like the previous night, both sets up D were playing particularly well led by some excellent net minding at both ends which conspired to see the opening period end scoreless.
The second period got underway and the speed of the game remained at a fast tempo with both sides tiring to break down the other. The Hornets appeared to be piling on the pressure forcing a number of defensive errors by the Chieftains only to see them saved by the outstanding Moffat. However, if was the Chieftains who got the break through, first boosted by a shot that hit the post and slide along the goal line before be cleared only to regain themselves and attack again this time finding a way past David Wride when James Ayling slide the puck under the Bracknell stopper at 33.09. As the Chieftains went one up on the score board they went one down on the ice as Darren Brown took a hooking penatly stopping a 2-1 in the Hornets favour. Whilst on the powerplay the Hornets found themselves under a bit of pressure as they failed to gain control of the puck in the offensive zone. As the Chieftains rushed down the ice short handed a scrum developed in front of Wrides goal. In the aftermath, the ref sent Dom Hopkins and Ross Brears to the box for roughing and also Aaron Connolly for slashing handing the Hornets a 5-3 advantage much to the bemusement of the Bracknell bench. The advantage was what was needed to finally break down the Chieftains and Andy Moffat as Mark McCoy drove down the right wing before picking out his spot delightfully into the top left hand corner at 38.13 to ensure the game went into the second break still tied.
The game up until this point had been fast and physical but tempers hadnt really threatened to boil over as both teams were playing hard but fair. Surprisingly then at 48.46 the gloves were off as Reece Covington attempted to gain the momentum for his team challenging the Hornets toughest new recruit Brad Watchorn. The two came together at centre ice and Reece soon realised the error of his ways as Watchorns first punch connected squad on his face sending the home player sprawling to the ice. The effect of the fight actually gave the momentum to the Hornets as they came out revitalised looking for the go ahead goal. A Danny Hammond cross checking penatly again gave the Hornets a chance to capitalise and Alex Barker did just that picking up the puck to the right of Moffats net and sending an audacious back hand into the roof of the net at 55.31. The Hornets had appeared to have done enough but in what must have been one of the final attacks of the game, the Cheiftains sent Ross Brears away down the right wing where he was able to cut in squeeze the puck through David Wride with just over a minute remaining to tie the game.
Having worked so hard it was a bitterly disappointing end to the game. Though both teams probably deserved something from the game that will come as no consolation to the Hornets who were in the driving seat. However, 3 points in a weekend against title contenders must be seen as positive and signs that the Hornet's game is slowly starting to drift back will all be welcome news to the coaching staff.
12/09/09 - HORNETS 3 - 2 Wightlink Raiders
Following the previous week's defeat, the Hornets were on a low and it was going to take a lot of hard work and rebuilding to turn around their fortunes against former English Premier League side Wightlink Raiders. It was however, a different looking Hornets side that emerged to give a much stronger account of themselves and claim their first victory of the season, despite being without a number of key players; Grabt Rounding and Mike Plenty to injury and Craig Tribe to personal commitments.
The Hornets had appeared to have blown some of their cobwebs away in last weeks defeat as they started the game a totally different team. Their passing was slicker and most important their was a coherent transition between defence and offence which put early pressure on the Raiders goal. Toby Cooley stood firm in net but was beaten as he failed to hold on to a Tom Avery drive from the point which allowed Tony Barclay in to collect the rebound and fire into the net at 5.26. The boost in confidence was evident as the Hornets continued to heap pressure on their opponents until they found themselves in penalty trouble. With Brad Watchorn sitting a 2 minute the Raiders were able to get themselves back into the game when John Sarno made a clever cross ice pass to Damon Larter who was pinchingat the back post to tie up the score at 14.55. With the Raiders finding their feet it was developing into a good end to end game but with no real goal threats the period looked destined to run down. However, with time ticking down the puck was cleared from the Wightlink defensive zone and Dom Hopkins appeared to be on hand to recover the puck in time for one last attack, however under a little bit of pressure from John Sarno, Hopkins miscontrolled allowing Sarno a breakaway which he duely converted with 3 seconds remaining in the period.
The second period got under way and it proved to be very even with the 2 sides cancelling each other out and in particular both net minders shutting up shop at either end of the rink. Hornets goalie David Wride showed some real class to keep the sustained pressure at bay with some huge saves to make sure the Hornets only trailed by one.
The lack of goal scoring definately didnt translate into a lack of action but instead highlighted the quality of defensive play especially in the goal keeping department, and this came as a particular boost for the Hornets after last week. With the game flowing end to end it came down to the special teams to spice up the game. With Steve Gannaway serving a slashing penalty the Hornets powerplay unit was able to up the barrage on Cooley's net and with the extra skater, Alex Barker was able to stuff the puck home at the far post at 45.23 following a centering pass by Ben Duggan. With game evenly balanced at 2-2 it was unclear who would take the initative, but following the powerplay goal the Hornets grasped the opportunity with both hands as they scored their second goal in as many minutes to regain them the lead. Alex Barker and Ben Duggan again combining to great effect to light the lamp at 47.50. With over 10 minutes to go the Raiders threw everything they had at the Hornets in an attempt to tie up the game but the Hornets were able to remain strong and see the game out.
After the bitter disappointment of last Sunday's game, tonights emotions were at the opposite end of the scale. A complete turn around had seen the Hornets put in a very competent defensive display which went on to be the backbone of their victory. It certainly wasn't a complete performance and in fact the Hornets play was still littered with errors but to grind out the win showed a dramatic change in effort from the Hornets and one that would give them plenty to work with as the look to take their performance to the next level.
05/09/09 - HORNETS 2 - 6 Cardiff ENL Devils
The excitement and anticipation of the Hornets opening game soon vanished from the John Nike centre as a largely disjointed and disorganised performance got under way. With high ambitions, following years of steady improvement culminating in last seasons play off semi final appearance, the Hornets were dealt a humbling wake up call at the hands of a very good Cardiff side.
The Hornets actually started the game quite well showing signs of speed and determination, traits they have become known for over the last few years but this soon deteriorated and the ample crowd were left to experience a lacklustre performance which Cardiff took full advantage of, opening the scoring through a neat David James finish at 08.25. It seemed the Hornets would need lady luck to get any thing from this fixture and it apeared she answered their call when Dom Hopkins tied the score at 09.12. Driving out of his defensive zone, Hopkins dumped the puck on net only to see it evade the otherwise solid Mike Brabon in goal. However, before the period was over Cardiff had regained their lead and were good value for it too, this time with Steven Fisher taking advantage of some sloppy defensive play from the Hornets at 17.42.
Any team talk fell of deaf ears as the second period saw little improvement on the first and Cardiff furthered their lead after just 50 secs again with Steven Fisher getting himself on the board, however one moment of good play handed the Hornets a life line as Tom Avery was able to pick out an inch perfect lofted pass from his own zone to that of the far blue where Ben Duggan was racing forward ready to collect the puck and beat the Devil's goalie at 22.32. With the game nicely poised at 2-3 the Hornets may have been able to take a hold of the game but again inept defensive play and strong Cardiff pressure cost them. Whilst with a man advantage, Cardiff made light work of the Hornets with David James scoring his second of the night form a tight angle at 25.08. With an unfortunate 5+Game penalty handed out against the Devils, the Hornets were given once again a glimmer of hope, but once again seemed totally out of sorts as not even a once strong powerplay could find any cohesion. The powerplay was cut short too as the Hornets found themselves in penalty trouble turning a 5 on 4 in their favour to a 4 on 4 on 3 against. Cardiff who were having no troubles on the powerplay duely converted at 39.21 to give David James his first hattrick of the year and take the Devils into the intermission 5-2 up.
With the game far from over, a spirited fight back would certainly have installed a bit of pride back to the Hornets but the third period was probably their worst. Again it only took a couple of minutes before Cardiff had eased their way through the Hornets woeful defence allowing Alan Armour to open his account at 42.21. From this point the Hornets certainly played like the game was over with very little creativity or hussle. In fact, the only positive thing that went the Hornets way was a bit of fisticuffs when new signing Brad Watchorn took exception to a late body check from Gareth Dixon. The 2 players both dismissed their gloves and came together and from there it was all Hornets as Watchorn rained down blows to Dixon with both hands as he continually switched throughout the altercation. That ended any excitement from a Bracknell point of view as the game fizzled to a disappointing conclusion.
Take nothing away from the Devils, their new look side look very strong packed with size, strength and speed but were never forced into showing anything special. Nonetheless a very capable performance swept away a well below par Hornets side. Some positives can be taken from the game, New boys Brad Watchhorn and Blair Dubyk looked solid and despite having no cover David Wride came up wth some very impressive saves. A post mortem will have to be carried out by the Hornets as the games dont get any easier this weekend, but is a week enough time to fix everything that went wrong?
Man of the Match awards were handed out to Steven Fisher from Cardiff and Bracknell's Ben Duggan.
