Individual News
14th of August 2008
The Basingstoke Bison are delighted to announce the return of Eric Braff for a third season in Hampshire.
The popular Canadian was as solid as a rock last year for the Herd defence, leading it for scoring, as well as logging up huge amounts of ice time in an often depleted defensive core.
The native of Ontario is a true fans's favourite and this was illustrated last spring, when he scooped the Basingstoke Gazette's Sports Personality of the Year title voted by its readers.
The 6ft 4in blue liner is the final piece of a back division, which is set to take no prisoners this season as every member is over six foot.
Bison head coach Ryan Aldridge is delighted the lynchpin of his defence is back and said: "Braffer is a true professional both on and off the ice. He was one player I wanted back and thanks to our partnership with the University of Winchester that has been made possible."
The Herd's linked up the local university earlier in the summer, which has a small base in Basingstoke away from the main campus in the capital of the county.
Talking about his return Braff said: "I have really enjoyed my time in Basingstoke. I want to continue playing hockey and having the opportunity to work on my masters degree in finance and business management is a big reason for coming back. To have a partnership with the University of Winchester is a gigantic step in the right direction for the Bison."
The 27-year-old added: "I'm really looking forward to getting back to Basingstoke for my third season. In all my days of playing hockey, I must say The Bison supporters are at the top in terms of passion for the game. I'm excited to get things going this year and looking forward to Saturday nights in Basingstoke."
Casting his eye over the new Bison blue line brigade, the last man to announced said: "I think Aldy (Ryan Aldridge) has put together a solid defence. We have each played at least three or four years professionally, so hopefully that experience will help if we are leading by one goal late in games. As long as we use our size to limit the other teams opportunities, we will be giving ourselves a chance to win most games."
Looking back on last season Braff said: "One memory of last year that has stuck out for me all summer, is being less than 20 minutes away from winning the Knockout cup. We gave it everything we could, but were painfully denied. We have such loyal and passionate supporters that deserve a trophy."
The popular Canadian was as solid as a rock last year for the Herd defence, leading it for scoring, as well as logging up huge amounts of ice time in an often depleted defensive core.
The native of Ontario is a true fans's favourite and this was illustrated last spring, when he scooped the Basingstoke Gazette's Sports Personality of the Year title voted by its readers.
The 6ft 4in blue liner is the final piece of a back division, which is set to take no prisoners this season as every member is over six foot.
Bison head coach Ryan Aldridge is delighted the lynchpin of his defence is back and said: "Braffer is a true professional both on and off the ice. He was one player I wanted back and thanks to our partnership with the University of Winchester that has been made possible."
The Herd's linked up the local university earlier in the summer, which has a small base in Basingstoke away from the main campus in the capital of the county.
Talking about his return Braff said: "I have really enjoyed my time in Basingstoke. I want to continue playing hockey and having the opportunity to work on my masters degree in finance and business management is a big reason for coming back. To have a partnership with the University of Winchester is a gigantic step in the right direction for the Bison."
The 27-year-old added: "I'm really looking forward to getting back to Basingstoke for my third season. In all my days of playing hockey, I must say The Bison supporters are at the top in terms of passion for the game. I'm excited to get things going this year and looking forward to Saturday nights in Basingstoke."
Casting his eye over the new Bison blue line brigade, the last man to announced said: "I think Aldy (Ryan Aldridge) has put together a solid defence. We have each played at least three or four years professionally, so hopefully that experience will help if we are leading by one goal late in games. As long as we use our size to limit the other teams opportunities, we will be giving ourselves a chance to win most games."
Looking back on last season Braff said: "One memory of last year that has stuck out for me all summer, is being less than 20 minutes away from winning the Knockout cup. We gave it everything we could, but were painfully denied. We have such loyal and passionate supporters that deserve a trophy."