THE Basingstoke Bison have beefed up their defence for the forthcoming season with the re-signing of Declan Balmer.

The 19-year-old was a key member of the Herd's blue line brigade last season, where he formed a very useful partnership with Slovak import Miroslav Vantroba.

He also enjoyed success with the Great Britain under-20s winning a gold medal in Estonia, which earned the team promotion to Division One of the World Championships.

The Hull-born defenceman finished last season with eight points, which included his first goal for club, which came in an English Challenge Cup at Chelmsford early on in the campaign.

The teenager, also racked up 91 penalty minutes, but this is no surprising due to his rugged physical style of play.

He is also not afraid to drop the gloves if necessary, but will not have to fight Sheffield bad boy Andre Payette next season, as he has been axed by the Steeldogs.

Last season was his first in a Bison shirt and due to his size standing 6f 3in, many fans forget he was still a teenager.

Bison player/coach Doug Sheppard has a good track record bringing on young talented players and is delighted to have Balmer back for a second campaign and said: "I was extremely pleased with the way Declan played last season. He is very mature for his age and is only going to get better."

"I liked his physical style of play and he was a very solid player for us last season."

Balmer, who turns 20 in June, said: "I really enjoyed my first season in Basingstoke. It was a great dressing room to be part of and we already some of those players are back."

"I think as a team we were as consistent as anyone, it was just a shame we lost to Manchester in the play-offs. For sure we want to put this right this season."

Balmer is the second defenceman to return to Herd, along with Brit Kurt Reynolds who had already re-signed.

However, one player of the defensive core not returning is another teenager Matt Selby

The 19-year-old a member of the Bison’s double winning side iced in just 12 times for the Herd last season due to a bad head injury sustained in the local derby game with Bracknell.

He returned to captain the Great Britain under-20 gold winning team in December, but only played at the start of the tournament and after that was ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The teenager had been set to return to the Herd when he was fit again, but has now decided to take up another offer elsewhere.

Sheppard said: "It was a very difficult season for Matt. We wish him well and hope to see him back on the ice."

The British Ice Hockey website this week has linked Slovak netminder Tomas Hiadlovsky with a possible move to the Bison.

When asked about this Herd boss Sheppard and said: "It is purely a rumour."

The 26-year-old has played the last three years for Elite League outfit Edinburgh Capitals, but this website does not have a very good track record with signing news.

Only a fortnight ago they announced Telford Tigers hot shot Peter Szabo was heading to Edinburgh, only for him to re-sign for the Tigers.