8:00am Thursday 17th June 2010
By John Boyman
THE Basingstoke Bison have added another important name to their roster for next season by re-signing Lithuanian defenceman Mindy Kieras.
The 30-year-old played a vital role in the success enjoyed by the Bison in the English Premier League last season, using his physical presence to keep forwards out and chipping in with 13 goals. Coach Steve Moria is delighted to have his import defenceman back.
“Mindy was a very key part of our successful side last season,” Moria said. “He is strong, passes the puck well and is one of the best defencemen in the league.
“As the import defenceman, he gets a lot of ice time and he is very strong in his own zone defensively. He is very physical and an intense character, both on and off the ice.”
Kieras, who played for Lithuania at the World Championships earlier this year, had a spell a Milton Keynes before joining the Herd last summer.
He enjoyed an impressive first season and quarterbacked the powerplay unit, picking up a total of 62 points, with 13 goals and 49 assists. That put him fourth in the team’s scoring charts, a good effort for a defender.
Moria said: “I will be asking all five of my defencemen to play defence first and Mindy will be no different – but he has a big, hard shot, which is very important for us, especially on the powerplay.
“I expect more of the same from Mindy this season and he will be an integral part of our powerplay and special teams again.”
Moria is happy with the way his summer recruitment drive is going – and wants his side to build on last season’s fifth-place finish. “We finished the season very strongly and will be looking to carry that on next season,” he said.
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