BASINGSTOKE Bison head coach Doug Sheppard had wasted no time in finding a replacement for popular Canadian import Joe Rand with the signing of Slovak sniper Rene Jarolin.

Rand decided to call time on his career with the Bison after the Herd's game on Saturday due to work commitments, but will remain with the squad as import injury cover and has already played enough games to mean he can even suit up for the play-offs.

The forward signed off with one of the penalty shots in the victory over Milton Keynes last Saturday and few Bison fans will forget the penalty shot he scored in the final of the play-offs in the Herd's double winning season.

Taking his place in the line-up will be Jarolin a former top goal scorer in the Elite League in his debut season with the Edinburgh Capitals, when he hot the net 43 times in 60 games He is former team mate of Bison's current shot stopper Tomas Hiadlovsky which will help him settle into life in Hampshire.

The 34-year-old forward played for Milton Keynes until last week and was among the top 20 scorers in the English Premier League scoring five times and picking up 17 assists.

Last season his third in Edinburgh he was the Scottish side's top goal scorer with 30 and points scorer finishing with a tally of 56.

He is certain to add another dimension to Basingstoke's forward and he will make his debut against the Hull Pirates on Saturday (6.30pm).

Talking first about the departure of Joe Rand, Sheppard said: "Joe (Rand) has been a big part of this club, but this si a great job opportunity and we wish him well."

Looking forward to seeing his new signing Jarolin in action Sheppard said: "He has put up some really good numbers in his career and will add to the firepower in the team."

Saturday will see a top against bottom battle in the EPL for leaders Basingstoke, but last time these teams met the Pirates sunk the Bison's hopes of victory with two late goals to win 3-2.

The Herd are expected to be back to full strength for the game with Alex Symonds returning from injury and Ryan Sutton is able to play as the Buffalo are only in action on Sunday night at home in their crunch cup game.

Also at Saturday's game there will be a bucket collection for Movember, which the Bison players have been taking part in during this month.