Individual News
19th of June 2009
The new look Basingstoke Bison have captured the signing of "Mindy" Kieras for the forthcoming season. Mindy was regarded as one of the top defencemen in the EPL three years ago when he was with the MK Lightning. That year he contributed 20 goals and 23 assists in 36 games, whilst accumulating 115 minutes in penalties.
The 6'1 190 pound 29 year old from Lithuania played in the Latvian League for the past two seasons. Kieras played for SC Energija last season and finished as the 7th top points scorer in the League.
7 Mindaugas Kieras SC "Energija" 27 15 26 41 89 1.52
Steve Moria excitedly commented about the signing of Kieras: "This is the guy I have been chasing since the end of April. He has the experience of playing in this League. There are many European players who have a superb pedigree but do not always settle in the UK. On the contrary, Mindy was superb during his time with Milton Keynes."
Moria added: "He is a commanding force on the ice, a general on skates. His level of intensity during games and training will influence his teammates. Wherever he has played he has scored goals and his presence will give us a dangerous "high option" on the powerplay."
Kieras has been a valuable part of the Lithuanian hockey program having played in the last 10 World Championships.
Lithuania is currently ranked 23rd in the world rankings, two spots ahead of Great Britain.
Speaking from his home in Vilnius, Mindy was happy to discuss his move to Basingstoke,
"I'm so pleased that the Basingstoke opportunity came up and I'm really excited to be returning to the UK for another season in the English Premier League. All the research I've done about Basingstoke has been positive and I want to be a part of this club and the organisation behind it. It made it really easy decision for me and I can't wait to join up with the team at the start of next season. I believe that we are going to be very talented team and we have a great chance to contend for some title this upcoming season. The fans in Basingstoke should be really excited about the 2009/10 Bison team."
The 6'1 190 pound 29 year old from Lithuania played in the Latvian League for the past two seasons. Kieras played for SC Energija last season and finished as the 7th top points scorer in the League.
7 Mindaugas Kieras SC "Energija" 27 15 26 41 89 1.52
Steve Moria excitedly commented about the signing of Kieras: "This is the guy I have been chasing since the end of April. He has the experience of playing in this League. There are many European players who have a superb pedigree but do not always settle in the UK. On the contrary, Mindy was superb during his time with Milton Keynes."
Moria added: "He is a commanding force on the ice, a general on skates. His level of intensity during games and training will influence his teammates. Wherever he has played he has scored goals and his presence will give us a dangerous "high option" on the powerplay."
Kieras has been a valuable part of the Lithuanian hockey program having played in the last 10 World Championships.
Lithuania is currently ranked 23rd in the world rankings, two spots ahead of Great Britain.
Speaking from his home in Vilnius, Mindy was happy to discuss his move to Basingstoke,
"I'm so pleased that the Basingstoke opportunity came up and I'm really excited to be returning to the UK for another season in the English Premier League. All the research I've done about Basingstoke has been positive and I want to be a part of this club and the organisation behind it. It made it really easy decision for me and I can't wait to join up with the team at the start of next season. I believe that we are going to be very talented team and we have a great chance to contend for some title this upcoming season. The fans in Basingstoke should be really excited about the 2009/10 Bison team."