Image (C) Jo Loat
By Simon Church
In what may or may not be their last weekend of hockey this season, your GalxC Cooling Services Basingstoke Bison take on the newly crowned National League champions the Leeds Knights, yes them again, in the quarter finals of the 2022/23 Playoffs, with a place at the big dance in Coventry as the prize for the victor.
These ties are played over two legs, with the 1st taking place at The Knights Castle in Leeds on Saturday evening, joust off takes place at 6.30pm.
The 2nd leg on Sunday at the Silverdome Arena, aka the Freezer of Dreams, will face off at 5.30pm.
On paper 1st against 8th looks an almost impossible task for the Herd, yet as we all know the game is played on ice not paper and slightly tricky ice in the case of Sunday’s game.
Following the announcement regarding the refurbishment of the Basingstoke rink, which will see the Bison taking a timeout for the entire 2023/24 season, Sunday’s game will be an emotionally charged evening for players, staff and fans alike, so let’s pack that old barn of ours and make it a family gathering to remember. Bring your voices and possibly a box of tissues, just in case it gets too much for you and give the boys a send off they’ll never forget.
Finally, I’d like to thank John (Neville) for allowing me the opportunity each week to give something back to the club I love, to the dynamic duo of Nigel and Matt, for their ability to make even the worst of defeats sound acceptable, top work gents.
Special mention to our roving ticket sellers, Angela and Marjie, who have smiled as they mugged me each home game for 50/50 tickets, sending me on my way with a cheery ‘good luck sir’ comment.
You’ll find them just inside the rink after having your tickets checked by security, so make sure you pester them on Sunday, buy a couple of tickets and offer them a high value note so they have to count out the change, they love that.
To those who contribute in some way or another to the clubs media, booster club and off ice activities, good job everyone, see you in September 2024.
Lastly, Bison fans, outstanding work this season from each one of you, often in trying circumstances, so for one last time at home it’s…………………
Loud, Louder, Loudest
Tickets for Sundays second leg clash with the newly crowned Planet Ice national League Champions in our quest to make the Final Four are available to purchase from the following link: https://iceaccount.co.uk/basingstoke-bison?Reference=Bison-Website
Season Ticket Holders please be aware this game is not included in your 2022 / 23 Season Ticket Package but rest assured your seats are reserved for you until midnight on Saturday 8th April 2023, your tickets can be booked in person or over the telephone (o1256 355266) unfortunately the cannot be booked online.
#wearefamily
