BASINGSTOKE, UK – Slovakia has been a great source of imports for the Basingstoke Bison for the past two seasons with the likes Ondrej Lauko and Viktor Kubenko topping the scoring charts.
So it should come as no real surprise that Bison boss Steve Moria has returned there to complete his import line-up with the addition of Marek Dubec, the club’s final signing for their forthcoming English Premier League campaign.
The 29-year-old forward who hails from Nitra, Slovakia was an eight round 247 overall draft pick for the Buffalo Sabres in 2001.
He never pulled on a jersey for that Herd in North America, but come September he will do that for the Bison as they look for EPL honours.
Dubec will bring a wealth of experience to the side having played over 350 games in the top level of the Czech Republic and his homeland.
He was part of the championship winning HK Vsetin in season 2003/04 which won the Czech Extraliga and will now hope to bring trophies back to Basingstoke.
Last season, Dubec played in the Slovakian second division with HK Spisska Nova Ves.
There he picked up 13 points in the regular season and six in the play-offs. The previous year was the best of his career as he returned 25 points from 467 games for HK Dukla Trechin in the top league of his homeland.
“I have heard only good things about Marek and having played over 350 games in the top divisions in the Czech Republic and Slovakia he cannot be a bad.
“He is good skater and can play both ends of the rink which is exactly what I want. I think he is certain to become a fans’ favourite,” said Bison player/coach Steve Moria.
The Herd is now complete, but the side first league game will not be until September 24, but the week before the side will play back-to-back exhibition games with local rivals Guildford Flames which will be the first time the Bison fans will get a chance to see their new full squad in action.
Contact the author Graham.Merry@Prohockeynews.com
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