A SPECIAL testimonial game will take place at the Basingstoke Arena at the start of next season to celebrate the career of former Bison player/coach Steve Moria.

The Canadian, who spent the last two seasons leading the Herd, has decided to hang up his skates after an amazing 25-year career in British ice hockey.

The 51-year-old forward, who made 49 appearances for Great Britain, has competed at every level in the British game – posting an amazing 3,153 points in goals and assists.

Moria said: “There is no doubt I will miss the great game of ice hockey that I have played for so many years. There are so many great memories and fantastic people I have met during my career. Father Time has tapped me on the shoulder and whispered in my ear that my time is up, but I feel very privileged to have been able to play ice hockey for 25 years.

“I never envisaged playing for so long here, but I fell in love with the British game and immediately knew I wanted to stay.”

To celebrate Moria’s career, he will have a testimonial game at the Basingstoke Arena before the start of the 2012-13 season, when a team, picked by Moria, will take on the Bison.

New Bison player/coach Doug Sheppard said: “I am looking forward to the chance for everyone to get together and see Steve off in style.”