Ice Hockey: Bees stung by Panthers

The Nottingham Panthers bounced back from their home defeat by the Superleague leaders, Sheffield Steelers, with a 5-1 victory away to the Bracknell Bees, despite getting off to a poor start when Darren Hurley scored for the home side after only 92 seconds.

The Panthers improved dramatically after the break and the defenceman Eric Charron levelled from close range five minutes into the second period.

Three goals in five minutes then killed off the bottom-placed Bees. Marc Hussey fired the Panthers ahead with a fierce shot from the point and Dody Wood extended the lead after fine work from Lee Jinman. Greg Hadden hit a fourth 40 seconds later, effectively wrapping up the game, before adding a fifth and his second in the final period.

The London Knights twice came from behind to draw 3-3 with the Belfast Giants at the Docklands Arena. Doug MacDonald scored twice for Belfast only for Dennis Maxwell to pull the home side level five minutes from time.