The Swindon Wildcats defeated the Berkshire Bees 6-2 in the opening game of the NIHL season.


Another two goals from Jake Bricknell and a goal on Balint Pakzodi’s return back to the team this weekend.


Start of the first period:


The Bees would get an early powerplay opportunity and took full advantage with Marcel Balaz firing the puck into the top right corner at 06:36.


New Canadian netminder for the Bees Max Wright was called into action many times, making some impressive saves. However, with 30 seconds left of the first period, Aaron Nell squeezed the puck past him and across the line to tie it up at the end of the first.


End of the first period: Wildcats 1-1 Bees


The first ten minutes of the second was a great defensive effort from the Bees after a lot of Wildcats pressure but, the pressure was too much as Bricknell received the puck in the slot and sniped it past Wright. Timed at 31:44


Pakozdi then received a lovely cross-ice pass from Ryan Wells and fired it at goal. The puck was initially saved and flew into the air but as it landed back down, it hit the back of Wright and went into the net at 34:52.


The Bees did battle to try and get back into the game and got a couple of powerplays but the Cat's defense stood firm keeping the lead to two going into the final period.


End of the second period: Wildcats 3-1 Bees


The Wildcats put a lot of pressure on the Bees early in the third. Bricknell then scored his second goal of the game as he toe-dragged it past two Bees players and fired the puck into the bottom corner. Timed at 43:58.


The game then got a bit feisty and this gave the Wildcats a 5 on 3 powerplay and the Cats extended their lead to four with Chris Jones’ shot bouncing off the defenseman and sliding into the net. Timed at 49:55


Balaz did score another goal to give the Bees a chance to fight back into the game. However, Reed Sayers instantly replied with a goal for the Cats to hand them a comfortable 6-2 home victory.


End of the game: Wildcats 6-2 Bees


Make sure you have purchased your tickets ready for country night next Saturday where the Wildcats will face the Solway Sharks.