BASINGSTOKE Bison player/coach Doug Sheppard says that Michael Wales’ return from a broken ankle is a major boost for his side.

The hard-hitting forward has been out since March, missing the Herd’s triumphant play-off campaign due to the injury.

He made a surprise return to the ice last weekend, playing in both of the Bison’s games, and Sheppard is delighted to have the 32-year-old back.

“It gave everyone a boost,” Sheppard said. “He has great energy and, as we had a few guys struggling, it was really positive to have him back.

“He was a bright spark for us, playing with a lot of energy and physicality. He fitted straight back into his line and considering he had not played in six months, it was a really good weekend for him.”

Wales’s return did not go quite how he would have liked, with Basingstoke losing last Saturday’s game against Guildford Flames on penalty shots.

“I thought that was our weakest performance of the year,” Sheppard said. “They played a solid game but we were out-worked at times, which is uncharacteristic of us.”

The Herd bounced back with a 7-2 victory over British National League side Invicta Dynamos in the English Challenge Cup on Sunday.

“It’s not always easy to get up for these cup games but we played pretty well on Sunday,” Sheppard added. “Alex Sampford got his first goal, which was great, and it’s a good competition for young guys like him to show what they can do.”

Despite losing to Guildford, the Herd remain top of the English Premier League table, but they are one of five sides currently on nine points.

Sheppard said: “It is still early in the season, but we know that it’s going to be a competitive league.

“Ourselves, Telford and Guildford are the teams I can see moving clear.

“We all have two defeats or less so far, but one weekend can change all of that, so it might be too early to start looking at the table.”

Sheppard is targeting a maximum four points from this weekend’s games, which will see the Bison host Sheffield Steeldogs on Saturday before travelling to struggling Bracknell Bees on Sunday.

“We know that both Bracknell and Sheffield will work hard, and we will have to match them,” Sheppard said. “If we approach the weekend the way we have been, then I expect us to take four points, but we cannot afford to turn up thinking that we will win easily.”

While Wales may be back in action, Sheppard expects to be without Ciaran Long again this weekend due to an as yet undiagnosed injury.