BASINGSTOKE UK: The Bison have beefed up their blue line with the re-signing of British D man Joe Baird.
This brings the Bison blue line brigade up to four for the coming campaign as he joins also re-signed trio Kurt Reynolds, Declan Balmer and Stuart Mogg.
The latest returnee has played over 600 games in the EPL having first played in the league in the autumn of 2002 with the Isle of Wight and spells at Bracknell, where he won the league title, and Swindon followed. before he joined the Bison in 2013.
The Southampton-born 36-year-old started his career on the south coast, before he joined the Basingstoke junior programme.
He made his senior debut in 1994, when the team were called the Beavers and was also the only Brit in their Superleague team in season 1997/98.
Baird then carry on playing four years in the British National League for the Bison winning the Benson and Hedges Plate in 1999 and 2000, Baird scoring in both finals in Sheffield.
However, when the Bison moved to the Elite League n 2002, Baird switched to the EPL and for the past three years has suited up for the Bison
Last season, he returned 13 points all from assists and also collected 60 minutes in penalties.
“Having Joe back is great as he one of the leaders on the team and the only D man to wear a letter. I think having the core last season’s defense back is great.
They are all now used to playing in front of Tomas (Hiadlovsky). He is the most mobile netminders in this league and often will make the play back there and the guys now know they need to be an outlet rather than being the man to make the play,” said Bison head coach Doug Sheppard.
“I really enjoyed last season and I think we have a great team so far,” said Baird.
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