Individual News
21st of February 2008
The Basingstoke Bison will be looking for two wins this weekend, to keep their play-off hopes alive, as well as securing a place in the British Knockout Cup final.
The Herd are currently suffering a slump with no win in their last four games, but on Saturday they face a visit from the Cardiff Devils, who are suffering an even longer losing streak.
When these sides last met in January in Basingstoke, the Bison won 6-0 in what was the first-leg of a British Knockout Cup, and went a long way to booking a semi place.
On that night, Great Britain international Greg Owen led the scoring with two goals, while Eric Braff, Greg Chambers, Derek Campbell and Ryan Aldridge all scored.
Netminder Curtis Cruickshank was the man collecting the shut-out.
In that game Bracknell goalie Greg Rockman was between the pipes and Canadian captain Brad Voth was suspended.
This weekend top netminder Phil Osaer will be back between the pipes for the Devils having returned from injury last month, but forwards Paul Sample and Jason Silverthorn are still set to be sidelined.
Steve Thornton is expected to be the only Basingstoke player missing from the encounter against one of his former club.
Bison head coach Aldridge said: "We have to start winning our home games if we are going to make the play-offs. Cardiff are suffering at the moment and we have to take advantage of that."
Tickets for the game at the Basingstoke Arena are always entertaining when the Devils are in town and available from the box office on (01256) 355266. The action starts at 6.30pm
On Sunday, the Herd make the much anticipated journey to Hull for the second-leg of their British Knockout Cup semi-final and will be looking to erase Wednesday night's 8-4 league reverse in the same building.
This clash is a winner takes all contest as the scores are level after the first-leg 2-2. A game where Danny Stewart and Owen scored for the home side, while Slava Koulikov and David Phillips replied for the visitors.
Bison boss Aldridge said: "Everyone at the club wants to make the final and there is everything to play for."
The winners on Sunday will face the Coventry Blaze for the trophy.
The Herd are currently suffering a slump with no win in their last four games, but on Saturday they face a visit from the Cardiff Devils, who are suffering an even longer losing streak.
When these sides last met in January in Basingstoke, the Bison won 6-0 in what was the first-leg of a British Knockout Cup, and went a long way to booking a semi place.
On that night, Great Britain international Greg Owen led the scoring with two goals, while Eric Braff, Greg Chambers, Derek Campbell and Ryan Aldridge all scored.
Netminder Curtis Cruickshank was the man collecting the shut-out.
In that game Bracknell goalie Greg Rockman was between the pipes and Canadian captain Brad Voth was suspended.
This weekend top netminder Phil Osaer will be back between the pipes for the Devils having returned from injury last month, but forwards Paul Sample and Jason Silverthorn are still set to be sidelined.
Steve Thornton is expected to be the only Basingstoke player missing from the encounter against one of his former club.
Bison head coach Aldridge said: "We have to start winning our home games if we are going to make the play-offs. Cardiff are suffering at the moment and we have to take advantage of that."
Tickets for the game at the Basingstoke Arena are always entertaining when the Devils are in town and available from the box office on (01256) 355266. The action starts at 6.30pm
On Sunday, the Herd make the much anticipated journey to Hull for the second-leg of their British Knockout Cup semi-final and will be looking to erase Wednesday night's 8-4 league reverse in the same building.
This clash is a winner takes all contest as the scores are level after the first-leg 2-2. A game where Danny Stewart and Owen scored for the home side, while Slava Koulikov and David Phillips replied for the visitors.
Bison boss Aldridge said: "Everyone at the club wants to make the final and there is everything to play for."
The winners on Sunday will face the Coventry Blaze for the trophy.