Ice Hockey: Panthers recover their poise

Nottingham Panthers bounced back from a home defeat to the Superleague leaders Sheffield Steelers with a 5-1 victory over Bracknell Bees last night.

However, the Panthers had the worst possible start when Darren Hurley opened the scoring after 92 seconds at the Bee Hive. The Panthers were indecisive and lethargic in the opening period but after the first break they came out with their desire renewed.

The Panthers' defenceman Eric Charron levelled from close range five minutes into the second session. But it was three goals in five minutes that finished off the bottom-placed Bees.

Marc Hussey fired the Panthers ahead with a fierce shot from the point and Dody Wood extended the advantage. Greg Hadden hit a fourth 40 seconds later to effectively wrap up the game. Hadden added a second in the final session.

London Knights twice came from behind to earn a point after a 3-3 draw with Belfast Giants at the Docklands Arena. Paxton Schulte and Doug MacDonald put Belfast 2-0 ahead in the opening period but Rich Bronilla and Vezio Sacratini levelled for the Blueliners after the first break. MacDonald restored Belfast's lead before Dennis Maxwell's goal secured a point for the Knights.