As exclusively revealed this morning in the Basingstoke Gazette the Herd welcome back two stalwarts of the clubs recent history back to the roster for the 2021 / 22 season:
2019 / 20 Assistant Captains Defenceman Adam Jones & Forward Adam Harding
British-born Defenceman Adam Jones rejoins the Herd for the forthcoming season having been announced as leaving the Herd at the end of the 2019/20 season and subsequently signed for the Elite League Fife Flyers for the 2020/21 season.
Adam, who is 25 years old, 6’ 2” tall, weighs 93 kg and shoots left handed, played a total of 84 games for the Herd and found the back of the net on 18 occasions, whilst providing 51 assists and incurring 159 penalty minutes during his 2 seasons in a Bison jersey.
During the shortened 2020 / 21 season Jones iced in 10 games for the Sheffield Steelers in the 2020/21 EIHL series, as well as guesting for the Swindon Wildcats during the NIHL Spring Cup played between February and March this year.
Adam commented on his return,
“After almost a full season off I can’t wait to get back in the swing of things in Basingstoke.
Playing without fans for 6 weeks was definitely not the same, and its going to be a special night when we all get back together for opening night in September”.
Coach Tait couldn’t be happier to welcome Jonesy back to the roster and said,
“Adam was always a player that we wanted to retain in Basingstoke and I am so pleased he’s committed to the Herd for the new season.
Ashley continued,
“I know Adam had other interest from teams in the EIHL & NIHL and it’s a credit to the club and everyone involved that he chose to return. I don’t think anyone will disagree that he was one of the top d men in the league when he iced for us in 2019/ 20 season and I expect him once again to be one of the leaders of our group”.
Our second player announced in the Gazette today is Welsh forward Adam Harding,
28 year old Harding who was born in Cardiff is 6’ 0” tall, weighs 80 kg and shoots right handed, has played in excess of 200 Elite League games, appearing for the Cardiff Devils, Manchester Storm and Dundee Stars.
Adam originally joined the Bison half way through the 2018/19 season after being released by the Swindon Wildcats and in his time with the Herd, he has played 67 games, scoring 27 goals with 56 assists and incurred 64 penalty minutes.
Harding on re-signing for the Bison has this to say,
“Golf season has gone on for way too long, can’t wait to swap my golf clubs for my skates and my stick and for the season to get started, missed you all way too much”.
Coach Tait commenting on re-signing Adam said,
“Bringing Hard’s back is great news for the club. He gives us some much-needed depth.
I think he’ll thrive on the added responsibility he’ll have as a guy who can play in all situations and contributes at both ends of the ice. I have no doubt that Adam will continue to get better and better next season”.
The signing news continues tomorrow when the Herd we will be announcing more players who’ve committed to the 2021 / 22 season roster as well as launching our ever popular Own & Loan scheme for those players who have been announced so far, all keep your eyes peeled as all will be revealed on the club website and social feeds.
It’s going to be a bumper news week for fans of the Herd …
