As exclusively announced by the Basingstoke Gazette earlier this morning, British forward Alex Sampford has put pen to paper for the 2021/22 season.
With just over a week to go before the puck drops on the new season Sampford’s signing completes the Bison roster for the 2021 / 22.
The 24 year old Basingstoke-born player, who is 6’ 0” tall, weighs 86kg and shoots right handed, began his hockey career with the Slough Jets. Between 2009 and 2013 Alex appeared for the Jets at U16 and U18 age groups in addition to the Slough Comets, and during the 2012/13 season he made 3 appearances for the Jets in the NIHL.
The 2013/14 season saw Sampford begin his association with Basingstoke by icing in 17 games for the Buffalo and 16 for the Bison U18’s, contributing 22 points in total.
The following season Alex made his senior Bison debut as well as making 4 appearances for the Buffalo, scoring 5 goals + 3 assists, plus 15 appearances for the Solent Devils in NIHL 1, scoring a point a game (7+8).
Over the next couple of seasons Alex gained valuable experience in senior hockey, firstly with the Wightlink Raiders where he iced in 48 games, scoring 41 points (23+18), then with Streatham IHC making 55 appearances and scoring 40 points (22+18).
For the 2018/19 season Alex made the move to join the Bison permanently, making a total of 43 NIHL 1 appearances, scoring 40 points (23+17) and incurring 20 minutes in penalties.
In the 2019/20 season he made a further 43 NIHL appearances, contributing a total of 42 points (22+20) while earning himself 54 minutes in penalties.
Alex had this to say regarding signing for another season with the Herd,
“I am extremely excited to be back for a third year in Basingstoke. It will always be my favourite place to play, and it’s about time we had some hockey back in town!”
Sampford continued,
“I’ve always been positive about the team Ash puts together and the core group that has formed over the last three competitive seasons. We have grown to become a very tight knit group, and are determined to be tough competition for the top teams in the league.”
Coach Tait comment on re-signing Alex said,
“Samps has come back and looks as ready as I’ve seen anyone to get started. He knows where the net is and seems to be able to get on the end of loose pucks when it matters. I obviously want to see more of the same when we get going!”
Alex will once again wear the number 29 jersey for the Herd in 2021 / 22 and for this season his 2019 / 20 season own and loaners have continued their valued support of Alex for the forthcoming campaign.
