The new year starts with a trip to Blackburn for the TSI World Bracknell Bees to face the Leeds Chiefs. While the Chiefs await the opening of their new rink their “home” games are played on the road.

The Chiefs were at the Hive on Sunday last weekend and came out on the wrong end of an 11-1 scoreline. Between now and then they also played Sheffield on New Year’s Eve.

It’s been a difficult start for the league’s newest team as they’ve accumulated just 6 wins from 27 games as well as seeing players departing the roster in the opening half of the season.

Their leading scorer was James Archer but after 20 games he departed the Chiefs for the Pirates. Following him was Radek Meidl who also departed the roster but Adam Barnes leads the stats now with 18+11 from 25 games.

Sam Gospel and Miles Finney guard the nets for the Chiefs.

Sunday sees the first home game of 2020 and it’s the rejuvenated Milton Keynes Lightning who visit the Hive.

Starting the season occupying the bottom two spots with the Chiefs the Lightning have hit form, spurred on by the addition of Liam Stewart to the squad. Based on the last five games played they are the joint best team on form with 4 wins from 5 outings.

Tomas Kana is their leading scorer with 33 points from 28 games but also with 91 PiMs to his name. Liam Stewart has played 15 games now racking up 21+6. Former Bee Robin Kovar also now suits up for the Buckinghamshire team.

The Lightning now have three netminder signed with Dean Skinns, Jordan Lawday and Brandon Stones all on the books.

Head Coach Doug Sheppard looked forward to 2020’s first games; “We need to step up our game heading into this weekend. With both Zack and Caly away, and we wish them all the best, I’ll be looking to the guys to fill the important roles they’ll be leaving.”

Bees play Leeds in Blackburn on Saturday at 5pm and play Milton Keynes on Sunday in Bracknell at 5.30pm.