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".....And it's high-ho silver lightning, everywhere we go..." Can you tell I'm still on a bit of a high? Wow, what a game. The perfect way to get over the disappointment of Thursday's game at the Nynex. Bracknell played at their very best, displaying the belief that wasn't evident on Thursday. And Berny was outstanding in goal, deserving both his Man of the Match awards. I have to admit to being very apprehensive before the match, but this was totally unfounded. Bracknell came out looking to win and playing as a team. No doubt Jim had had a word or two to say after Thursday, and it seemed to have worked. Bracknell went ahead from a goal by the Junker, after good work by Meola and McCosh. Panthers never really looked like getting back into it in the first period, and I'm sure Blaisdell will have had much to say.
Nottingham came out in the second much more determined and called Berny into action several times. Tait went off for holding and Bracknell took advantage of the Powerplay. The Cheif got hold of the puck and let off a shot from the point. O'Connor appeared to have it covered but ithit a skate on it's way to the goal and deflected to his left and into the net. Worse was to follow for the Panthers, after giving the puck away unforced in their zone, Spikey Ellis was able to turn in the slot and shoot past O'Connor for the third. The third period remained scoreless, dspite intense pressure, thanks mainly to some major heroics from Berny. The man is a saint, and I just hope he doesn't receive a better offer next year. Overall, Panthers should be very disappointed with their performance. this is not to take anything away from Bracknell, though, who played to like a proper Fuyarchuk team - great teamwork, self-belief and some neat passing. Incidently, this was my first time at the Ice Stadium, and I have to admit I liked it (sorry to all my Steelers friends). It was nice to have some good-time music rather than crapy club hits. The organ was good as well. Just a bit of a shame that we were sat right under the speakers - my ears are still ringing. Then again, that might have just been Detroit Mel :-))))))))