8:30am Thursday 14th May 2009
By Graham Merry
THE English Premier League’s most lethal partnership over the past few years was reunited this week, when Joe Ciccarello signed for the Bison to link up once again with Steve Moria.
The forwards have built up a great understanding during their time at the Slough Jets, where last season both players were voted onto the EPL all-star team.
Now the Basingstoke fans will get to enjoy the deadly duo in action for the Herd this coming season.
Between them, the pair scored more than 85 goals last season, with 37-year-old Ciccarello scoring a career best 41 times in a points tally just seven short of a century.
The Alberta-born Italian/ Canadian is no stranger to Basingstoke, having been their leading points scorer with 63 in their first ever season in the Elite League.
After a split season in London and Sheffield, Ciccarello joined up with Moria in Slough and for the past four years they have tormented the defences of the EPL.
Delighted to have capture his offensive partner in crime, Bison player/coach Moria said: “ Joe (Ciccarello) is the most skilled player in this league, who can turn a game on his own and is great going one-on-one. We have formed a great partnership, but with his skill, he is a must for the powerplay and dangerous on the penalty kill.” The latest Bison signing is also looking forward to returning to the Herd and said: “I am very excited and view this is great opportunity to link up with Mo again. I am here to help contribute to something positive and bring the feel good factor back to the fans of Basingstoke.”
Talking about last season’s record goal haul, Ciccarello said: “It came as a nice surprise to be voted on the all-star team and I think last season I was little more direct around the net and shot the puck more often, which is why I scored more goals.”
Ciccarello is the tenth Bison signing so far this summer.
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