Bees secure play-off place on final weekend after big win over Basingstoke
Having secured qualification for the post-season play-offs on the last weekend of the regular season, the TSI World Bees turn their attention to their battle with Telford Tigers, Leeds Knights and Milton Keynes Lightning over the next three weekends.
The Bees will be looking to finish in the top two of this mini league to progress to the finals in Coventry.
First up for the Bees this weekend are home and away fixtures against the league champions, Telford, starting at the Slough Ice Arena on Saturday.
The Tigers were crowned champions after finishing 10 points clear of nearest rivals, the Swindon Wildcats, however, the Bees have had some success against them this season.
Injuries left the Bees short benched for the penultimate weekend of the season as they lost to the Sheffield Steeldogs (5-3) and Leeds Knights (57), however, they welcomed most of those players back last weekend and results saw them edge the Raiders out of the play-off picture. They lost their first match of the weekend 6-4 at Milton Keynes Lightning but bounced back to record their biggest win of the season, an 8-2 home success over Basingstoke Bison.
Head coach Doug Shepherd will be hoping the Bees hit the ice at full strength and with the confidence of that stunning win firmly in their sails.
He said: “I’m looking forward to the new play-off format, it guarantees us another six games and three of them in front of our home fans.
“The support has been fantastic in the build-up; we’re looking forward to getting back on the ice and making a positive start this weekend.”
Bees play Tigers at Slough Ice Arena on Saturday at 6.30pm and the following night play the Tigers in Telford at 6.00pm.