Playoff 2011/12 Outcome

Hornets made it through to playoffs The Bracknell Hornets ENL 1 South team finished 7th in their league and completed their season with games home and away against League 2nd position placed Chelmsford.
Everyone who came to watch the first leg at Bracknell saw their Hornets play what was probably one of their best games of the season
The away game at Chelmsford was just as exciting, however the Hornets could just not take the Chieftans down at their own home rink


News from 2011 - News from 2011 - News from 2011


Hornets add two more young players to the squad

Returning to the Hornets for the 2011/12 season is 17 year old Ryan Webb and the signing of newcomer Nick Minhinnick to the Hornets for the coming season. The Bracknell U18 Drones star forward Ryan Webb will be playing up once again this year with the Hornets Hornets Head Coach Lukas Smital said “Ryan is a talented player with good speed and hands and I expect him to deliver for the Hornets again this year. He has a lot of potential and I am looking forward to continuing in his hockey development. Nick comes to us from the Guildford Phoenix and he impressed us during the during the try outs, I expect Nick to continue to develop during the forthcoming season”

More defence for the Hornets

The Hornets are pleased to announce that both Lewis Turner and Gareth Wheeler have agreed to return to the Hornets for the coming season. Lewis was a key part of the Hornets last year when as an Under 18 playing up he picked up “Most Improved Player”, we are delighted to have him back for the 2011/12 season. Gareth started last year well but was halted when he took a nasty injury with a broken collar bone mid season however he bounced back and he improved his game impressively towards then end of the year. Also we are pleased to announce the signing of Sean Rudkin from the Guildford Phoenix. Hornets Head Coach Lukas Smital said “Lewis is a strong stay at home D-man with good co-ordination and he can move the puck well, he likes to play physical hockey and has a good shot from the point. If he continues to play the way he can he has a very good future ahead of him. It is also good to see Gareth back on form and I am expecting him to continue to improve his game over the coming year. Sean played last year with Guildford he has good size and strength and I expect his development to continue this year with the Hornets. ”

Goaltending for the Hornets

Hornets are pleased to announce that Mark Petch has agreed to return to the Hornets for the coming season along with newcomer Matt Passmore. Mark is a product of the Bracknell Ice Hockey system and has backed up for the Hornets as well as the Bees over the last few seasons; Mark is currently at Surrey University which means he cannot commit 100% to the Hornets over the next year as he studies for his degree. As a result Lukas has decided to go with two back up goalies and has recruited Matt as second back up. Matt played last year for the Guildford Phoenix where he posted some impressive stats. Hornets Head Coach Lukas Smital said “Mark is an exceptional goalie but I have to respect Mark’s choice that his education is more important and I agreed with him that we would share his back up slot with young Matt. Matt impressed me last year when I watched him at Guildford and his attitude and application will fit very nicely into my Hornets squad.”

Two more forwards sign for the Hornets

The Bracknell Hornets are pleased to announce the return of Tony Barclay and 17 year old Tom Fisher to the Hornets for the coming season. Tony is a long term player for the club and we are delighted he is back for another season; Tom has played up for the Hornets for the last two seasons from the Bracknell U18 Drones. Hornets Head Coach Lukas Smital said “Tony is a hard working player both forward and defensively and has some great speed and good puck control and will put some good numbers on the board for us, he is also a great guy in the changing room which is also important. Tom was a big part of the Hornets last year when he played both 18's and Hornets and saw a lot of ice time for a young player playing up. Always willing to do whatever is asked of him, he came on in leaps and bounds and we are happy he has decided to stay and be part of the squad for the coming season.

Hornets add to their offence

The Bracknell Hornets are pleased to announce that Matt Ovenden and Tom Smith have both agreed to return to the Hornets for the coming season. Hornets Head Coach Lukas Smital said “Smith brings a wealth of experience to the side on and off the ice; he has played at most levels during his career so we were delighted to get pen to paper with him last week. We expect the same as last year from him a solid two way skater who has a good hockey brain on him which will help us to success. Matt is a hard hitting power forward and we expect to see some good hard physical hockey from him this year. Both players are good in the locker room and will help the team and the young players we have playing for us this year.”

Two young familiar faces return

The Bracknell Hornets are pleased to announce that Alan Lack and Tom Carroll have both agreed to return to the Hornets for the coming season. Hornets Head Coach Lukas Smital said “Carroll is young player with decent size who has still a lot to learn but he is keen to improve every day which will be important factor for next year. Lack had a fantastic season last term and we are pleased to secure his services once again. He is one of the hardest working players around the league who can put some numbers up as well”

Hornets start at the back !

Hornets sign a defensive quartet – Lukas Smital has secured the services of netminder Adam Marashi, defencemen Michael Plenty, Graham Bellamy and Juraj Chamula for the forthcoming season!
Hornets Head Coach Lukas Smital said “Adam is a really important signing for us especially after David Wride’s departure. He is still young but already an experienced goalie and will strengthen our defensive core for next year.
With Plenty and Bellamy we have two key defensive signings, they are both experienced and responsible players, good team players and a very important element to the team.
Chamula on the other hand is a new addition to the team. He spent last season with the Guildford Phoenix, he is a very talented young defenceman who really impressed me during the try out period and I am excited about working with Juraj next season.”

Smital announces his coaching team

The Bracknell Hornets are pleased to announce the return of Bill Webb as Assistant Coach on game days. Bill took over this role in November last season and proved to be a valuable addition to the coaching team; he is a good leader and brings the best out of the squad with his positive attitude. Season 2011 sees the return of last year’s Captain Danny Hughes to the squad, Danny proved a great asset last season and he has accepted a new role on the team as Player Assistant Coach and will be working along with Bill during the games. Hughsey is an experienced player with a strong scoring touch and the club are very pleased that he has agreed to stay with us for another season. Hornets Head Coach Lukas Smital said “I am very excited to work closely with the Hornets again, and I am very keen on continuing to support the players in their progress to help them to achieve their best potential. My aim this season is to play competitive and high intensity hockey. Team work and team chemistry will be essential this upcoming season. Obviously as any other team we aspire to battle for success.”