TONY Redmond, the Mr Basingstoke of ice hockey in the town, is latest Bison re-signing for their coming campaign.

Redmond, who turned 36 today, will start his 12th season with the Herd in autumn, having made his debut for the team in the autumn of 1992.

Last month, he became the first ever player in the club’s history to reach 400 league appearances for the team.

He is also the all-time highest British league points scorer with 363 points to his name.

Once again the defenceman will be the Bison’s assistant/coach and Basingstoke boss Steve Moria is pleased to have him back on board for another season.

The Herd’s player/coach said: “He has the experience of winning trophies and definitely gives 100 per cent every game. He is one of our leaders in the dressing room and passes on his knowledge to younger players on the team.”

Redmond said: “I am delighted to be back at the Bison for another year. It is a great place to play and hopefully we can repay our fantastic fans with some silverware – that is the ultimate goal.

He added: “I have always tried to pass my experience on to the younger guys, but even more so now as the assistant/coach. I feel this is very important to their development as players.”

Redmond’s older brother and former Basingstoke forward Kenny was assistant coach of the Irish team that won their group of the World Championships in division three.

Redmond said: “I have been in touch with Kenny to congratulate him. We are all very proud of his achievement.”

Meanwhile, in division one action, Bison Mindy Kieras’ Lithuania side have lost their opening two games, but they face winless hosts Holland today and then Serbia on Saturday, before finishing against Japan 24 hours later.

If they lose their last three games, they would be relegated and could face Ireland next year.

Meanwhile, Great Britain, who include a number of former Bison players, look set for a medal in their group in Slovenia, despite losing in overtime to the hosts after they won their first two games.

They were in action against Hungary yesterday and finish their campaign against Poland tomorrow.

Two victories would give them the silver medal and maybe the gold if Slovenia were to slip up.