THE Basingstoke Bison have re-signed highly talented young defenceman Sam Smith.

The 17-year-old Cardiff-born blue liner, who turns 18 at the beginning of September, is back for a second season with the Herd.

Last season, the teenager scored once and collected two assists in his first full season in South One, having joined last summer from the Cardiff Fire.

This was Welshmen's first campaign away from the capital city of Wales.

His re-signing means five out of the six of last season's defence are back to patrol the Bison blue line with only Chris Cooke having departed and joined the Bracknell Hornets.

Bison player/coach Ashley Tait is pleased to have Smith back in his line-up for the forthcoming season and said: "He is a really talented player who showed a lot of potential last season and when we had injuries he stepped in and played really well."

"He is still a young player and we have spoken on where I think he needs to improve and I really hope he will pushing for middle tier defensive berth this coming season."

The Bison league season starts on September 21 with two pre-season games the week before.