FRANKIE Bakrlik believes Bracknell Bees would be better off bringing in another player for the start of next season rather than pay him to sit on the sidelines, writes Dave Wright.

The Czech is currently serving an 18-match suspension imposed by the National Ice Hockey League for disciplinary reasons.

He has so far missed three games and two more will be chalked off with the play-off quarter-final matches against London Raiders this coming weekend.

Even if the Bees make it through to the final, it still leaves a large chunk of his suspension remaining when the 2018-2019 campaign gets under way next Autumn.

“I would like to come back, but to serve the ban it would take another month next season,” he said.

“So the team would have to spend money (on himself) and personally I think it is not a good idea, and the way the league is going it is not fun for me, to be honest.

“It’s too soft, it just looks as it’s not proper hockey any more. There are other guys who are doing more stuff (infringements) while I was just trying to play hockey and got banned for it. Some who do something stupid don’t get punished for it.”

Bakrlik believes that if he was playing in another league, he would not have picked up the same number of penalty points.

“That’s the way the league is. There were some bad calls from the refs which saw me finish with points that gave me a long ban which I think is unreal,” he added.

“If you look at any other league, I don’t think they would have given me a ban like that. Other leagues would have made sure it was the right call, and I don’t think at times I got the right call.

“But there is nothing I can do about it now, it’s frustrating.”

Bakrlik did think about appealing against the length of his suspension, but decided not to as it would have cost money and, even if the league did agree to a reduction, it would probably have been only a few games.

His disciplinary problems apart, 34-year-old Bakrlik says he has enjoyed his time at Bracknell and looks certain to finish as their leading scorer. He has scored 30 goals along with 23 assists, leaving him among the most productive players in Division 1 South.

Bakrlik told the News: “I have had a really great time here and I would like to thank all the fans, the owners, the sponsors and everyone who is working for the team, giving their time for free.

“Many people have been great to me and my family. I wish I could have helped more and I am sorry it has ended this way.”

Away from the rink, Bakrlik has assisted one of the Bees’ main sponsors, Berkshire Cycle Company.

“They are a great bunch of guys and I had fun every day. They have taught me a lot of things which will help me in my future.

"I want to think Chris (owner) and his family for everything they have done for me.”

Bees skipper Matt Foord believes the main reason for Bakrlik picking up so many penalty minutes (117) – is his size, as the 16st, 6ft 5in forward towers over many opponents.

His latest incident – which led to his long ban – involved Basingstoke’s Grant Rounding, who is only 5ft 7in and around 5st lighter.

“When you have two players like them challenging, there is quite a size difference, and Frankie is so big and strong,” said Foord.

“He would not mean anyone any harm. He doesn’t go out intentionally to hurt people. Personally, I didn’t think his hit was that bad, but the league are trying to protect players.

“The league are clamping down on hits to the head and it was his second offence, although I don’t quite understand how the totting up of points works which led to his long ban.”