BRACKNELL, UK – Two big names have returned to The Hive to bolster the Bees’ roster for next season. Lukas Smital and Shaun Thompson will return to Bracknell as the team look to end a playoff drought of two seasons. Smital, who has spent the last four years at the Guildford Flames, played for the Bees from 2004 – 2007, helping the side to a league and playoff double in 2007. Bees coach Gareth Cox, said, “Lukas has been one of the most prolific and consistent import forwards in the UK over the last seven seasons. He is the model professional and an excellent leader. “He is committed to developing local junior talent and not only have we been lucky to secure his services as a player, but he has agreed to become my assistant coach” The Czech winger spent time playing in the AHL and ECHL before moving to the UK. Smital is the all-time scoring leader for the Johnstown Chiefs, where he racked up 107 goals – before the Chiefs moved to Greenville in 2010. Smital is no stranger to silverware having won two EPL Cups and three EPL league titles. The Bees have also signed youngster Shaun Thompson from local rivals, the Slough Jets. Despite his young age, Thompson has vast experience in the Premier League and the Elite League, having iced for clubs including the Nottingham Panthers, the Hull Stingrays and the Basingstoke Bison. “Thommo is another key signing for us. Although he is only 23 he has immense experience and had an impressively successful start to his senior career. He has exactly the confident, positive mentality that I’m trying to make sure is at the core of the dressing room this year and I’m looking forward to seeing him back in a Bees shirt,” added Cox. Both new signings have played together for the Bees in the past and team up with Peter Jasik again, who has also re-signed for Bracknell. Both players have international experience with Smital playing for the Czech U20s and Thompson part of the Team GB U20s which won gold in Division 2A in 2006, and was the top goalscorer in Division 1B the following year. Smital said, “I and my family are very happy to be returning to Bracknell for so many reasons. Bracknell was always our home and we never felt differently even while away. “It’s not a secret that Bracknell has the most loyal fans in the league and I’m excited to be playing in front of them again to be able to repay for their support while away.” Contact the author david.bol@prohockeynews.com
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