MICHAEL Wales and Brendan Baird will both not be returning to play for the Basingstoke Bison next season.

Utility player Wales who played a lot of last season in defence is taking up a new opportunity away from the club.  

The 32-year-old arrived in Basingstoke in November 2013 from the Slough Jets and was part of the Herd’s double winning team, but did miss the play-off final due to a broken ankle injury.

He started his career at his home town club the Medway Bears and went onto make over 500 English Premier League appearances mostly with the Milton Keynes Lightning.

He was a leader both on and off the ice making him a firm fans’ favourite wherever he played.

After one season with the Bison, British defenceman Brendan Baird is also leaving the Herd.

The teenager missed a large chuck of last season due to injury and so never really got to show what he could do.