BASINGSTOKE Bison forwards Cameron Wynn and Andy Melachrino have both decided to take a break from the sport and so will not be returning to suit up for the Herd in the forthcoming season.

Negotiations were held with both players during the summer, but the pair have both decided to concentrate on commitments away from the sport.

Wynn and Melachrino were both members of the Bison's double winning team and Wynn was the first Basingstoke junior player to break into the Herd's EPL team.

Since making his debut in season 2011/12, the speedy winger has now made nearly 200 appearances for the team.

Wynn spent last year splitting his time with a move away to university and has requested he focus on his studies in the upcoming years, something Bison player/coach Doug Sheppard respects.

Sheppard said: "Whilst I am naturally disappointing to be losing Cam from the Bison line-up, I will never suggest to a young player that the sport is more important than their education.

"The door will always be open for him to return home here in Basingstoke. His best is yet to come on the ice and hopefully, once his studies have finished, he will return to our roster."

Melachrino has spend the last three seasons at Basingstoke where he formed a very good partnership with import Tomas Karpov.

He scored 19 goals in the double winning season, but last year the gritty forward suffered a number of injuries which limited his opportunities in the team.

Sheppard said: "Andy told me at the end of last season he was having doubts about returning for this year."

"I have been in contact with Andy throughout the summer and, at times, have come close getting him back in Bison colours.

"Once again, if Andy ever does decide to return to the sport, we would welcome him back into our club without hesitation."

The Bison will announce some more signing news on the Gazette site tomorrow morning at 6am.