Two goals from Slava Koulikov gave Phoenix their fourth win in succession over Bracknell on Monday.

But it took overtime for Phoenix to finally break down a stubborn Bees defence.

Koulikov fired in from the point on the powerplay, giving the home side a perfect start to the year.

Phoenix player coach Tony Hand said “we created lots of chances and outshot them heavily, but they defended well and were tough to break down.

But we kept going right to the end and once again I was pleased with how the guys played and happy to get another win under our belts.”

The home side bombarded the Bracknell goal in the first period firing in 17 shots  but could not find a way past netminder Karl Ambler.

They paid the penalty early in the second period when Bracknell took a shock lead through Scott  Spearing.
It spurred  Phoenix into action and on 32 minutes Koulikov finally found a way past Ambler with assists from Martin Cingel and  Juraj Faith.

The second followed four minutes later when defenceman Jaroslav Spelda was played in by Ciaran Long and controlled the puck expertly before firing it into the back of the net.

Phoenix dominated the final period but chance after chance went begging. Lukas Smital made them pay with five minutes left of the third period with an equaliser on the breakaway.

The game went into overtime and with Phoenix on a powerplay Koulikov fired in from 15 yards to secure a Phoenix victory.