1:00pm Tuesday 23rd June 2009
By John Boyman
THE BASINGSTOKE Bison have added Lithuanian defenceman Mindaugas Kieras to their ranks for the upcoming season.
The 29-year-old played in the English Premier League three years ago for the MK Lightning and was regarded as one of the top defencemen around, contributing 20 goals and 23 assists in 36 games, while accumulating 115 minutes in penalties.
Kieras has spent the last two years playing in the Latvian League. He was at SC Energija last season, finishing as the seventh highest points scorer in the league with 15 goals and 26 assists.
Bison player/coach Steve Moria is delighted with the latest addition to his squad.
“This is the guy I have been chasing since the end of April because he has the experience of playing in this League,” Moria said. “There are many European players who have a superb pedigree but do not always settle in the UK but Mindy was superb during his time with Milton Keynes.
“He is a commanding force on the ice, a general on skates. His level of intensity during games and training will influence his teammates. Wherever he has played he has scored goals and his presence will give us a dangerous high option on the powerplay.”
Kieras has been a valuable part of the Lithuanian hockey programme, having played in the last ten World Championships. Lithuania are currently ranked 23rd in the world rankings, two spots ahead of Great Britain.
Speaking from his home in Vilnius, Kieras said: “I’m so pleased that the Basingstoke opportunity came up and I’m really excited to be returning to the UK for another season in the English Premier League.
“All the research I’ve done about Basingstoke has been positive and I want to be a part of this club and the organisation behind it. It made it really easy decision for me and I can’t wait to join up with the team at the start of next season.
“I believe that we are going to be very talented team and we have a great chance to contend for some titles this upcoming season. The fans in Basingstoke should be really excited about the 2009/10 Bison team.”
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