Twelve months on from the Bison announcing Defenceman Brendan Baird and Power Forward Aidan Doughty as new signings for the Herd, the Basingstoke Bison are pleased to confirm that both players have once again put pen to paper for the 2021/22 season as exclusively revealed by Graham Merry in the Basingstoke Gazette this morning.
Southampton-born Defenceman Brendan Baird will finally make his return to the Herd.
Baird previously iced for the Bison in the EPIHL during the 2014/15 season, in which he made 38 appearances. He then iced for the Wightlink Raiders until their sad demise, before signing for the Oxford City Stars and Streatham, after which he went on to spend 2 seasons with our local rivals the Bracknell Bees.
In his time with Bracknell he played 81 games, scoring 10 goals and 30 assists for a total of 40 points, whilst he sat 150 minutes in penalties. Most recently he appeared for the Slough Jets during the NIHL 1 & NIHL South cup competitions.
Standing 5’9” tall, weighing 181 lbs, the 25 year old right-handed shooting defence man had this to say about the Herd,
”I’m really looking forward to final wearing a Bison uniform again, I can’t wait to play in front of the loudest fans in the league. With the players that ash has recruited for the oncoming season I have high hopes that we will be taking some silverware home this year.”
Ash said this about Baird’s signing,
“Brendan is a steady d man who I feel we will be able to rely on in all situations. He’s got offensive capabilities and I like that he has a mean streak”.
Ash continued,
“I think Brendan is a great addition to our line up and is going to fit in well, he competes every shift he is on the ice”.
Our second player announced in the Gazette this morning is Power Forward Aidan Doughty. Aidan was born on the Isle of Wight where he first discovered ice hockey through the IOW Junior programme. In 2013, Aidan headed to the USA to further his career and played for Boulder Jr. Bison, a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team based in Superior, Boulder County, Colorado, scoring 4 + 5 from 21 starts.
From there Aidan moved to Colorado Roughriders and Superior Roughriders of the Western States Hockey League, totalling 34 + 41 for 75 points and just 50 PiMs across his three years stateside.
Returning to the UK for the 2016/17 season, Doughty joined the Wightlink Raiders for a short spell before moving to the Solent Devils where in 22 appearances he put up 17 + 20 points. The following season he iced in 30 games for Streatham, putting up 11 +10 points before joining Bracknell for the 2018/19 season.
Doughty like Baird was originally due to join the Herd for the 2020/21 season from the Bracknell Bees, where in his 2 seasons at the Hive he played in a cumulative 82 games, scoring 32 goals + 31 assists for 63 points and serving 92 minutes in penalties.
26 year-old, 6’2”, 201lbs left hand shot Doughty commenting on inking a deal with the Herd said,
“I’m more than exited about joining the bison, when Ash contacted me speaking about the plans and what to expect next season I was excited, I’ve spoken to some of the boys and all they have to say is good things about the club so it’s a no brainer really.
Aidan continued,
“Every game I’ve played in Basingstoke the fans have sounded amazing and after a long off season I can’t wait to get back in my skates and finally put on a bison jersey”.
Coach Tait commenting on signing Aidan said,
“I feel Aidan gives us something we’ve maybe missed previously as I think he fits the mould of a power forward. He’s got a great scoring touch, skates well and loves to put the body about. I think he’ll suit the way we play”.
Ashley continued,
“Aidan will certainly add a physical presence to our forward line up. He loves to play simple, physical hockey. When he goes to the net he generates opportunities and makes things happen. I’m excited to finally get to work with him come September.”
Brendan will wear the number 75 jersey for his return as a Bison and Aidan will wear the number 91 jersey for the Herd in 2021 / 22 and both players light, dark and home warm-up jerseys are now available for supporters to have the opportunity to purchase and loan back to the club Brendan’s or Aidan’s jerseys through our ever popular Jersey “Own & Loan” scheme, if you are interested in applying for one of Brendan’s or Aidan’s jerseys please send your application to hello@bstokebison.co.uk
And include in the title the players name of whom shirt you are applying for
Own & Loan ” Terms and Conditions”:
After 48 hours all applications will be reviewed.
Selection will be based on the following criteria in order;
- Direct family member of the player (email confirmation from the player will be required as evidence).
- If the 2019/20 season’s shirt sponsor wants to continue sponsoring the shirt.
- Random draw made by the organisation from all applications received.
