THE Basingstoke Bison have re-signed forward Ryan Watt.

Watt, a product of the Basingstoke junior development programme, first made his Bison debut 10 years ago, when the team was in the Elite League.

He went on to help Bracknell to the English Premier League crown and play-off titles and was also twice a play-off champion with the Slough Jets .

It was during his time with the Jets that the gritty forward enjoyed his best-ever season, hitting the net 21 times and collecting 50 points in a team coached by current Bison boss Doug Sheppard.

Having started last season with the Bees, he joined the Herd after Christmas and collected five assists in 16 games.

Bison player/coach Doug Sheppard is looking for Watt to score 20 goals again this season and said: “Ryan is hungry and a very talented player with a physical edge.

“He was a good fit in the room last season and I think he can do as well for me as he did for me when he was in Slough.”

The 25-year-old is looking forward to the new campaign and said: “Last season was the first time in my career I failed to score so I have set myself the target to hit 20 goals this time.”

Watt thinks the Bison have a great line-up for the coming season.

During his spell at Braehead two years ago, he played against new Herd netminder Tomas Hiadlovsky and was very impressed.

Watt said: “He is definitely a great goalie and has the potential to be be the top netminder in this league.”