THE Basingstoke Bison treble winning coach Doug Sheppard has left for pastures new for next season, but admits his former club will always have a special place in his heart.

Sheppard said: “I am never going to forget my time in Basingstoke. When I first came here as a player in the Elite League. We were still applauded by the fans as we came into bar, even when we lost, as they appreciated all the hard work we had put in.

“When I had the chance to come back as head coach, I jumped at the chance.

"I really felt I could build a team to win trophies and this proved to be the case. It is not just down to me it is down to players they have to produce on the ice.

“It was great to see the Bison fans, who had supported their team through the leans times to finally see them winning things.

“I have so many great memories from my time in Basingstoke and the great people I have met. As a team we were a tight unit both one and off the ice."

Sheppard added: “Now I am off for a new challenge and I am excited to get started.”

The popular Canadian, who surely now will have his number 28 retired, guided the Bison to the treble last season and is the most successful head coach in the club’s history, having also won the EPL league and play-offs.

He will certainly be a hard act to follow and big shoes to fill.

Planet Ice’s John Neville is man tasked with this and he is working hard and said: “We already have a short list of people we are talking to. So we will hope to make an announcement soon. We wish Doug all the best for the future.”