Bison ready to chip Phoenix wings
The heat is on, but the Basingstoke Bison are ready to clip the wings of the Manchester Phoenix when they arrive in town on Saturday.

So far this season the Phoenix have certainly cast a spell over the Herd especially in Basingstoke with 7-4 and 8-4 victories.

However, the Bison are eager to start 2010 in the best possible way and continue their recent winning streak.

The visitors have a side packed with offensive power, led by team boss Tony Hand and also have a player fans love to hate in Andre Payette.

The Phoenix are right in the thick of the title race, but that will count for nothing when the puck drops at 6.30pm on Saturday, as the Herd are long overdue a win against their Lancashire rivals.

Basingstoke will be without import Joe Ciccarello as he is temporarily away in Canada, so assistant/coach Tony Redmond looks set to continue in a forward role.

The Scot enjoyed his return to the attack last weekend, as he bagged three goals and the Bison fans will hope for more of the same.

Looking ahead to the game, Bison player/coach Steve Moria said: “We have run Manchester close twice on the road, but in this building they seem to do so well. You can be sure we will be out there to put that right this time.”

Tickets are still on sale for Saturday game which should be a cracker and are available from the box office on 01256 355266.
On Sunday, the Bison travel to the Spectrum to face the Guildford Flames which has a 6pm face-off.

So far clashes between these sides have been one goal games and the Bison will hope this time to come out on the right side of the scoreline.

Moria said: “We have to keep it tight in their building and then take our chances when they come.”