Logo’s star quality

9:20am Thursday 24th April 2008

A SPECIAL anniversary logo was this week unveiled as plans were announced for a memorable celebration of 20 years of ice hockey in Basingstoke.

The date for a great night of celebration in the history of Basingstoke ice hockey club has been set for Wednesday, October 29, when players past and present will celebrate 20 years of the club's heritage.

The club's first-ever game took place on July 17, 1988, when the team were known as the Beavers. A name change to the current Bison came in May 1995 and it has seen the sport in the town continue to stampede from strength to strength ever since.

The special reunion game is sure to be a brilliant night, and a lot of former players have already expressed an interest in returning for what is set to be a great evening.

The reunion match is one of the events being organised to make sure this special landmark in the club's history is celebrated in style.

This week also saw the unveiling of the 20th anniversary logo, which will be the centrepiece on the shirts worn in the anniversary game and will be used as a patch on the Bison's Elite League shirts for next season. It will also feature on all merchandise for the year.

The design was the winning entry from a competition run by the club in the last month of the season, which attracted more than 150 entries, making it a hard job for the Bison management team, who were the judges.

Bison fan Tom Carrington's logo proved to be the popular choice and he was delighted his design got the judges' vote.

He said: "I was very surprised to win, especially when I was told how many entries there were. I really hope the fans are as pleased with the design as I am."

Talking about his inspiration for the logo, he said: "I looked at all the old logos of the club and tried to use as many elements as possible. It was all about the history and getting the name change in there somewhere. I think it has come together very well."

The winning design includes a silhouette of the first Beaver logo as well as the current Bison logo and also cleverly uses the star, which has been in previous club designs.

Carrington's prize for winning is a pair of tickets to the anniversary game, as well as a framed copy of his design and a shirt for the special reunion match, which will be presented on the night.

The winner, who comes from Fleet, added: "I have been a fan for four years and I would probably have come to the game even if I had not won this competition. It is a chance to see some of the players I have heard about but never got to see play. I am sure it is going to be a great night and I can't wait."

Graeme Peers, chairman of the 20th year anniversary committee organising the reunion event, said: "On behalf of the committee, I can say we are delighted with the logo and it will certainly see us through a great year in the club's history. May I say a big thank-you to everyone who took the time to enter the logo competition."

Basingstoke head coach Ryan Aldridge was also delighted with the winning design. He said: "It looks really great and I am sure it will look good on the shirts as well."

Bison fans are reminded that the next fans forum is next Thursday, at 7.30pm, in Q's Bar at The Basingstoke Arena, where the Herd faithful will be updated on developments happening around the club. There will also be the first draw for a free season ticket.

The early bird offer on season tickets has also been extended for one extra night for any supporters who want to take advantage of the extra discounts available.

Editor's Choice