From a coaching standpoint, it is terribly frustrating in the manner which we have lost hockey games. Two losses last weekend has dropped us into a tie for 5th place. The previous weekend we had a chance to go into first place.

This shows the depth and quality of the League. We didn’t show that Bison fighting spirit as we allowed Manchester to win too easily. Sunday night in Sheffield we fell behind as the Scimitars scored 3 times in a 7 minute spell but we battled hard to level the score. However they scored the important 4th goal and we were denied victory once again.

Whilst Tony Redmond and Kurt Reynolds are unavailable due to their injuries, others are playing through their problems. Scott Spearing will begin light training this week which is positive news.

Hopefully I will have signed another defenceman by the weekend. Playing without one or two players should not have a drastic effect on a team but when 3 or more guys are out injured then it becomes difficult. We need to win hockey games to stay in the hunt as 4 or 5 teams are realistic contenders to win the League.

We aim to stay close to the leading group over the next few weeks then make a big push with a sustained run of form when everyone gets over their injuries.

Bison fans- please bear with us! All of the guys in that dressing are winners and will do whatever it takes to try to achieve that.

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Article published courtesy of the Basingstoke Gazette, Thursday 5th November 2009.