The Bison will hit the ice for the first time this season on Saturday, as they face their local rivals the Bracknell Bees in their first exhibition game.

In his first game in charge of the Herd it means new Basingstoke head coach Ryan Aldridge will face the side he guided to the English Premier League and play-off crowns last year.

Former Bison Dwight Parrish is the new player/coach for the Bees, and has signed two new import forwards in Michal Kanka and Peter Jasik, whilst very skilful offensive defenceman Jan Melichar completes their foreign quartet.

Bracknell also include former-Herd trio Shaun Thompson, Joe Baird and Ryan Watt, along with top British signing Tom Carlon from the Coventry Blaze.

So come along and see the Bison in action for the first time this season.

Face-off for Saturday's game is 6.30pm and tickets are still available from the Basingstoke Arena Box Office or on 01256 355266.
On Sunday night in another exhibition game, the new Bison team travel to Cardiff. In the Herd's line-up will be former Devil's Steve Thornton and Stevie Lyle making a return to Wales.

The Welsh wizards have most of the last season's players back, but have added a few noteable additions.

Sylvian Deschatelets comes in from from Italy, while Nottingham Panther Matus Petricko arrives, along with Edinburgh forward Jason Silverthorn.

Looking forward to the weekend, Aldridge said: "Of course we want to get off to a winning start, but these games are all about stepping out on the ice and getting some good practice in match situations for our first league game against Coventry."

The Bison's final exhibition game is on Thursday, face-off 7.30pm when French Elite League side Epinal are in town.
Tickets are also on sale for what will prove to be an exciting game.