BASINGSTOKE, UK – The Basingstoke Bison have added a sixth defenseman to their roster for the forthcoming EPL season.
The latest addition is Daniel Lackey and he becomes the third home town born player to sign for the Herd this season.
As he follows in the footsteps of netminder Dean Skinns and fellow defenseman Kurt Reynolds.
Lackey has signed for the Bison on a two-way deal from the Basingstoke Buffalo of the ENL South 2, meaning he can play for Bison when the Buffalo have no fixture.
Lackey is very much a one club man having played all his hockey in the north Hampshire town coming right through the system having started out with the under-10 Bison.
The 20-year-old has a good shot from the point and scored seven times last season for the Buffalo.
He also made three appearances for the Herd in the EPL and impressed in the Planet Ice Shield where he saw regular shifts.
In recent years, with the Bison playing in the import heavy top tier of British game it has been very difficult or not near impossible for junior players to step up.
However, with the Bison now in the more British player dominated EPL it is hoped that the club will be able to start a production line of further stars from within its own club.
The under-14 Bison team which includes a number of England internationals were crowned national champions in 2009 and that team could prove to be a source of players in the coming years, while there are also a number of useful under-18 players.
Lackey himself is delighted to have been given this chance and the University of Portsmouth student is sure not to disappoint.
“I have had offers to play away from Basingstoke in the past, but I have always stayed loyal to this club and playing for the Bison was always my dream,” said Lackey.
The Bison coach is also pleased to made another good addition to his squad.
“I believe Dan has a lot of potential and he is player I will be looking to use this season. Training and playing with us can only benefit his game.
“It is important as a club that make sure the junior players come through the system as it will save bringing in players from outside,” said Bison player-coach Steve Moria.
The Bison open their season with two home exhibition games on September 8 against the Bracknell and then three days later against the Guildford Flames.
The return with Guildford is on September 12 and with Bracknell four days later.
There league campaign starts with a visit from the Manchester Phoenix on September 18.
Contact the author Graham.Merry@Prohockeynews.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.