THE Thompson brothers – Carl and Shaun – scored three goals as Bracknell Bees blasted Hull Pirates 8-3 to record their biggest league win of the season on Saturday, writes Dave Wright.

There was a brace for Carl and one for Shaun on his return to the club following his transfer from Basingstoke Bison last week.

Both were also credited with one assist each, although the latter claimed he had two.

Second-bottom Bees’ sixth win in 25 games was quite incredible and largely unexpected, as the previous Sunday they had suffered an embarrassing 10-1 reverse at Guildford and were taking on a Pirates side lying third in the league standings.

They also lost Josh Smith, sent to the sin-bin after just 67 seconds, but that still did not stop them from taking the lead through Luka Basic 12 seconds later.

Carl Thompson created the opening and it was he who doubled the lead in the fourth minute.

Pirates hit back and forced two saves in quick succession before opening their account through Stanislav Lascek on 7:21.

The Slovakian then turned goal maker by taking advantage of a poor pass in the home defence to create an easy power-play goal for Dominic Osman just after the 10-minute mark.

With the competitive edge of the game warming up, leading to some crunching challenges by both sides, it looked as if the Pirates were taking control.

But that changed on 15:49 when Shaun Thompson set up Lukas Smital, who had time to turn before slotting the puck home to make it 3-2.

So five goals in the opening 20 minutes and that was followed by another five in the second period – but this time, all to the Bees.

The home fans could hardly believe their eyes as they witnessed arguably the most devastating spell of attacking play the team had produced in one period this season.

Smital set up Shaun Thompson for the fourth goal on 20:50 and a bad error by Hull skipper Nathan Salem let in Basic for his second goal of the night on 26:37.

Pirates changed their netminder, but it made no difference, as Bees were in unstoppable form.

David Gaborcik, with a rebound, extended the lead to 6-2 on 32:24 and that was quickly followed by another from Carl Thompson, his second of the match.

Bracknell made it three goals in as many minutes thanks to Scott Spearing with Smital getting his second assist.

After the excitement of that period, the final 20 minutes was a lot less dramatic.

There was a bout of fisticuffs between Josh Tetlow and Hull’s Osman that led to them warming seats in the sin-bin, and a goal for the Pirates from Lee Bonner on 56:41, while only the pipe denied Shaun Thompson from scoring just before the final buzzer.

“I had a great time out there tonight,” Shaun later revealed.

“As well as the goal I had two assists, although the referee only gave me one.

“We put two points on the board and a huge win was amazing.

“It has been a slow start for them (Bees), but we must keep on going, We have a lot of catching up to do.”

Team captain Matt Foord added: “Bringing Tommo in has given everyone a lift. It makes a big difference for someone familiar with the club to come in and galvanise the place like he has done.”

Foord also paid tribute to Carl Graham, who last week announced his retirement from ice hockey.

The 32-year-old defenceman, who started with Bracknell Hornets in 2004 before stepping up to the Bees in 2009, is to concentrate on his business commitments. He said: “It was sad to lose Carl, but it was a decision he wanted to make and is happy with it. It was a great honour and pleasure to play with him over the years. We wish him all the best for the future.”

Following their big win over Hull, the Bees were brought back to earth on Sunday when they lost 8-2 away to Peterborough Panthers, their goals coming from imports Basic on 27:41 and Gaborcik on 53:42, both when Bees were short handed.

The period scores were 2-0, 4-1 and 2-1.

That was a league and cup fixture, and the two teams meet again at the same venue next Sunday (5.30pm) when only league points will be up for grabs. Bees have no home game this weekend.