Basingstoke Bison new boy Ben O'Connor will be hoping to have a bigger smile on his face at the end of Saturday night, than his father Sheffield General Manager Mike O'Connor, as the two sides clash at the Basingstoke Arena.

O'Connor senior is making the trip down with the Steelers and the Bison defenceman who has had an impressive start to the season, will be hoping it is his side that take the honours.

Another player with strong Sheffield links hoping to do well is Greg Wood. He scored against his home town team last season and will look to do the same again this time on home ice on Saturday.

Added spice to the encounter is also the return of former Bison player-coach Doug Sheppard for his first visit to Basingstoke, since leaving after three years in Hampshire.

Tickets for what should be a great night's entertainment are still available from (01256) 355266 and the match gets underway at 6.30pm.

With one of the top sides in town it won't be easy for the Herd as they try to break their recent losing streak of three games, but the players are up for the challenge in what will be a one game weekend.

Bison head coach Ryan Aldridge said: "We have gone back to basics this week in training to try and turn things around. We know Sheffield are going to be tough to beat, but as this is our only game of the weekend, it makes it even more important to win."