The Basingstoke Bison are delighted to announce the signing of Finnish defenceman Mikko Purontakanen, who will make his debut for the team in this weekend's matches against Edinburgh Capitals and Manchester Phoenix.

The club reacted quickly after they found out, that Canadian blue liner Kyle Peto would be sidelined for four weeks with a broken wrist.

Purontakanen flew into Britain on Thursday afternoon, and was introduced to the Bison faithful at that evening's fans forum.

The latest Bison signing played last season with current Bison Peto at KalPa Kuopio in the Finnish Elite League, having the previous year played his first hockey outside of his homeland in Italy with Bolzano.

Bison head coach Ryan Aldridge said: "Mikko is looked upon as a stay at home guy, but that is playing in very defensive league in Finland. His nine points last season was a good return, he has a big shot and I sure he will do well for us."

Purontakanen said: "I am looking forward to the weekend and helping the team out in whatever way I can. I have been told Basingstoke is a great place to play, as it is so friendly and the fans really get behind the team."