AFTER two years away British defenceman Josh Kelly will once again suit up for the Basingstoke Bison this season, writes Graham Merry.

The 22-year-old Basingstoke-born blue liner played most of his junior hockey in Guildford and then joined for the Okanagan Hockey Academy in Swindon.

He made his senior debut for the Swindon Wildcats in season 2017/18 and then the following year played five games for IFK Österåker J20 in Sweden, before joining the Bison.

The stay at home defenceman went on to play 72 games over the next two campaigns for the Herd returning 1+6.

He then moved to Bracknell and in the Covid hit season of 2020/21, scored twice in the 12 game Spring Cup series.

Last year he suited up for the Bees again and in 43 games he collected six assists.

Bison head coach Ashley Tait feels Kelly is a natural replacement for the departed Ollie Stone and said: “Josh has grown as a player since he was last here, but still has a lot of potential.”

“I am looking for him to be a solid defensive defenceman and for him to make it difficult for opposing players to play in his own end.”

Kelly is the sixth Bison signing this season following on from forwards Zack Milton, George Norcliffe, utility player Liam Morris and netminders Alex Mettam and Jordan Lawday.

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this story. We really appreciate your support.

Please help us to continue bringing you all the trusted news from your area by sharing this story or by following our Facebook page.