THE BASINGSTOKE Bison have completed their defence for the forthcoming season with the re-signing of hard-hitting Carl Graham.

He is the final piece of a six-man unit that includes new import Miroslav Vantroba and returning Brits Zach Sullivan and Kurt Reynolds, along with new signings Joe Baird and teenager Elliott Dewey.

The 28-year-old Reading born blue liner will beef up the back division and means the team have players who all bring different things to the table A delighted Bison coach Doug Sheppard said: “Carl (Graham) is a bit more physical than the guys we have and is a solid team player.

“That wraps up the D core and I am very pleased with what we have.

“There is plenty of depth there and we will be looking to rotate the top five and slot in Elliott (Dewey) where we can.”

Graham is pleased to be back and said: “I felt I took a little time to adapt last season. I am keen to hit the ground running and dish out the hits from the first game.

“I will be working hard on my fitness to be in the best possible shape for the new season.”

His fitness was certainly helped by playing for Great Britain in the World Ball Hockey Championships in Canada earlier this month, where he helped GB to sixth in Pool B, winning two of their six games.

The signing of Graham leaves the Herd with three signings left to make. Sheppard is still looking for an import forward, a British forward and another netminder.

Two players not returning to the Bison for next season are Canadian forward Greg Chambers, who has signed for the Sheffield Steeldogs and British forward Jacob Corson-Heron, who is also heading north to play for the Manchester Phoenix.