Bristol Pitbulls got their ENL Cup campaign off to a perfect start with two victories over the Wightlink Tigers.

The first game, on home ice at Frogmore Street, saw them record a 9-3 win. Two goals from player-coach Richie Hargreaves put them in control in the first period before Tigers replied through Adam Rich and Michael Palin.

The second period was also evenly contested. The Pitbulls regained the lead as new import Adrian Esposito found the net, only for the visitors to level again through Tony Blaize.

The home side took a lead into the final period thanks to a fine finish from Steve Osman, taking the puck to the net nicely before slotting under Tigers netminder Aaron Taylor.

There was still all to play for going into the third period and the Pitbulls showed their quality by overwhelming the Tigers and firing in five unanswered goals.

Richie Hargreaves tallied another and then set up his brother Mike to score after a breakaway.

The relentless pressure told on the Tigers as youngster Jamie Chilcot scored with a fierce shot into the roof of the net and further strikes from Richie Hargreaves and Osman quickly followed to complete the victory.

The return fixture, at Ryde, was much closer but the outcome was the same as a hat-trick from Esposito led the Pitbulls to an 8-6 win in another entertaining encounter.

Mike Smith also found the net twice, along with Sam Hayman, Joe Lock and Richie Hargreaves.

Pitbulls have no games this weekend but are back in action as they start their league campaign on September 19 at home to Slough Harrier Hawks before facing Cardiff Dragons in Wales the following day.