THE Basingstoke Buffalo have certainly made their intention known for this coming season with the signing of Bison forwards Hallam Wilson and Paul Petts, writes Graham Merry.

The experienced British players have taken over as the new player coaching team for the Buffs.

With the Bison not competing in the 2023/24 campaign, the Buffalo are now the senior ice hockey team in Basingstoke.

Wilson and Petts are both former Buffalo players having come through the ranks of the Basingstoke junior programme and are now set to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of players.

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Wilson enjoyed his best season to date for the Bison in the season just gone as he scored 12 times in a points tally of 19.

This was his fifth campaign with the Herd and previously when icing for the Buffalo he returned over a point a game.

Petts finished last term with two goals having missed a number of games due to injury, which was also his fifth in a Bison jersey.

The former under-20 Bison captain also had a good return of points in a Buffalo shirt.

The Buffalo management team will now be working along with Wilson and Petts to put the best product they can on the ice.

Simon Beere of the management team said: “We are really excited by the positive response by Paul and Hals. I will be working alongside them on match nights running the bench.”

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Talking about his appointment, Petts said: “As soon as Simon approached Hals and I about coaching the Buffalo it was an instant yes.

“It is great to have this opportunity to get into coaching as well as helping further the development of the junior system, which I owe personally a lot of credit to.”

Wilson said: “I’m excited to be able to share the knowledge and experience that I’ve built up over the past seasons with the Bison.

“Paul and myself are focused on working with the juniors and helping push the team to be the best it can.

“We cannot wait for the new season to begin.”