FANS’ favourite Canadian hot-shot Joe Rand has become the first player to re-sign for the Basingstoke Bison.

The forward scooped a double at the club’s annual awards night, when he picked up the Players’ Player and Supporters Player of the Year trophies.

A hard working, gritty player, Rand certainly impressed in his first season in a Herd jersey and player/coach Doug Sheppard is delighted to have him back.

The Bison boss said: “He is a key piece of the team as you know he is going to work hard every shift.

“He is a great all round player that others feed off. I expect even more from him this season, having now made that adjustment to playing in this league.”

Talking about his return, Rand said: “I am excited about being back.

“I feel we have some unfinished business when it comes to winning silverware.

“It took me a couple of months to make the transition from a smaller rink and from a lower league, but I always pride myself in giving 100 per cent for the team.”

Talking about his awards night success Rand added: “I was shocked to be honest – being picked by my teammates and the supporters was a great honour.”