Individual News
27th of November 2008
The Basingstoke Bison face a double dose of new Elite league leaders the Sheffield Steelers this weekend. The first game is in Hampshire on Saturday night, before the return in South Yorkshire 24 hours later.
One Steeler player looking forward to the trip south on Saturday, is former Herd man of over three seasons Brad Cruikshank, as he returns for the first time to the Basingstoke Arena since joining Sheffield last month.
The Bison fans are sure to gave their former captain a warm welcome and Cruikshank said: "I am excited about coming back as I have so many friends in Basingstoke. It is going to a whole new experience for me as I never returned to an old club during the same season."
This is the Steelers first visit to Basingstoke this campaign, but the sides have already met in Sheffield where the home side ran out 6-2 winners. Man-of-the-match Ryan Finnerty led the scoring with brace, supported by singles from Rod Sarich, Ashley Tait, Doug Sheppard and Joey Talbot. The Bison's two goals were scored by Matt Miller and Cruikshank
Sheffield come into the weekend having just reached the peak of the Elite League, but the Bison are also in impressive form having beaten reigning champions Coventry and then knocked the holders Nottingham Panthers out of the Challenge Cup.
Bison player/coach Eric Braff is keen for his side to keep up their recent good form and said: "We know it is going to be tough against Sheffield as they are top of the league and they are there for a reason.
"We have had some good results in recent weeks and want to keep that run going. As ever we will be looking to work hard which is what this team is all about."
The Bison are hopeful that British players Richie Thornton and Warren Tait will once again be in their line-up. For Tait it will give him a chance to face his brother Ashley and the team he played for last season.
In recent weeks hockey night in Basingstoke has been the best entertainment in the town on a Saturday night, so don't miss out this week and book your tickets now from the box office on (01256) 355266. The action gets underway at 6.30pm.
One Steeler player looking forward to the trip south on Saturday, is former Herd man of over three seasons Brad Cruikshank, as he returns for the first time to the Basingstoke Arena since joining Sheffield last month.
The Bison fans are sure to gave their former captain a warm welcome and Cruikshank said: "I am excited about coming back as I have so many friends in Basingstoke. It is going to a whole new experience for me as I never returned to an old club during the same season."
This is the Steelers first visit to Basingstoke this campaign, but the sides have already met in Sheffield where the home side ran out 6-2 winners. Man-of-the-match Ryan Finnerty led the scoring with brace, supported by singles from Rod Sarich, Ashley Tait, Doug Sheppard and Joey Talbot. The Bison's two goals were scored by Matt Miller and Cruikshank
Sheffield come into the weekend having just reached the peak of the Elite League, but the Bison are also in impressive form having beaten reigning champions Coventry and then knocked the holders Nottingham Panthers out of the Challenge Cup.
Bison player/coach Eric Braff is keen for his side to keep up their recent good form and said: "We know it is going to be tough against Sheffield as they are top of the league and they are there for a reason.
"We have had some good results in recent weeks and want to keep that run going. As ever we will be looking to work hard which is what this team is all about."
The Bison are hopeful that British players Richie Thornton and Warren Tait will once again be in their line-up. For Tait it will give him a chance to face his brother Ashley and the team he played for last season.
In recent weeks hockey night in Basingstoke has been the best entertainment in the town on a Saturday night, so don't miss out this week and book your tickets now from the box office on (01256) 355266. The action gets underway at 6.30pm.