Bison boosted by timely Long signing (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Bison boosted by timely Long signing

8:20am Thursday 11th June 2009 in Ice Hockey By Graham Merry

THE BASINGSTOKE Bison have added another offensive weapon to their forward armoury with the signing of top British centreman Tom Long.

The newest member of the Herd joins after being named the Player of the Year and the top British assist merchant with the Wightlink Raiders last season in the EPL.

The 24-year-old forward posted impressive figures of 57 points from 54 games with the Raiders, which included 33 assists.

The Colchester-born player joined them from the Chelmsford Chieftains where he was captain and has also had spells at Slough, Haringey and Romford.

Bison player/coach Steve Moria believes he will add another dimension to the team. He said: “Tom is a very good hockey player and is a little bit more defensive than some of our other forwards. He was part of one of the top lines last season and gives 100 per cent every shift.”

Talking from his home in Essex, Long said: “I am really looking forward to coming to Basingstoke as this team has so much depth in nearly every department. I think we will be one of the top teams in the league.”

Talking about his style of play, Long said: “I am fearless player, who punches above my weight and I am not afraid to get struck into the corners. I like to turn a game with a hit, an assist or a goal.”