THE Basingstoke Bison have added two exciting young British players to their team for the coming campaign, in forward Ryan Sutton and defenceman Elliott Dewey.

Basingstoke-born Sutton was a member of the Herd's English Premier League winning side and is back after a season away in Canada where he played in the Greater Metro A League for Komoka Dragons and Tottenham Steam, returning 27 points from 32 games, which includes 12 playing as a defenceman.

The 22-year-old from Overton said: "I think I am physically stronger and mentally sharper after playing in Canada, which was a great experience for me. It was always my dream to play for the Bison so it is great to be back."

Blue liner Dewey, last played for the Bison in 2013, but has spent the last three years with the Invicta Dynamos, winning the play-off crown last season.

Dewey, the 20-year-old Basingstoke-born defenceman said: "I am delighted to be back. I am a stay at home defenceman and take pride in doing my job in my own end first. I am looking forward to winning some trophies with the Bison."

Head coach Doug Sheppard is pleased with his double signing and said: "They are a couple of young guys with a lot of talent both having come through the Basingstoke system, which is always good."

The league structure for next season has been confirmed for National Hockey League South One which will see the Bison battle it out for the title with the Bracknell Bees, Cardiff Fire, Invicta Dynamos, London Raiders, Milton Keynes Thunder, Peterborough Phantoms, Streatham IHC and Swindon Wildcats.

The teams will play each other twice at home and twice away for a 32 game league schedule with the top eight making the play-offs.