Three of a kind

LONDON,U.K- Three announcements, three different teams, one thing in common, they are all captain their sides. In a difficult month for the English Premier league finally some steady news has filtered out of some camps regarding signings for the 2008-09 season. One piece of news that will bring a smile to a number of fans is the announcement by Bracknell Bees. On the verge of going bust just two weeks ago the Berkshire based side have announced they will continue in the EPL, albeit on a tighter budget. Celebrating the news at a fans forum held earlier this week (May 26) the club announced a new but familiar face as player-

coach, Adam Bicknell. Joining him as captain is long time friend and line mate Matt Foord. Both players are a product of the Slough Jets junior setup and have pretty much played together all of thier careers except when Foord tasted Elite league hockey with London Racers and Cardiff Devils two seasons ago. Joining Bicknell and Foord are returning import defenseman Jan Melichar, youngster Sam Oakford and forward Andy Hemmings. The short distance from the Hive in Bracknell, rivals Slough Jets have announced the signing of returning captain Nicky Chinn. A veteran of over a 1000 games, Chinn aged 37 returns to the side that lifted the EPL playoff trophy last season against his former club Bracknell Bees. With rumours regarding a tighter budget this time around many believed that Chinn would be out of reach for the Slough club. Following a disappointing 2007-08 season the Milton Keynes Lightning will look to better the poor playoff performance that saw them fail to make the EPL finals for the first time since 2002. Player-coach Nick Poole has took a step in the right direction, securing the signature of much sought after Gary Clarke. The captain returns for his seventh season despite rumours linking him to the Elite league. By far the Lightnings best player Clarke will once again lead the side for 2008-09. Joining him is James Archer. The forward returns solely to an EPL team after last seasons two way contract with EPL outfit Sheffield Scimitars and Elite league winners Coventry Blaze. Archer is relishing the chance of playing for a team he once considered a bitter rival. Archer signs for the Lightning after spending the early part of 2007-08 season with bitter rivals PeterboroughPhantoms before moving onto Sheffield. “I am really looking forward to playing in Milton Keynes this season, as this is an excellent opportunity for me,” Archer said “I have been working hard in the gym and intend to continue doing so throughout the summer so I can get back to playing the way I was two years ago in the EPL.” Contact the author at  Kevin.oconnor@prohockeynews.com Photos:Bracknell Bees, Matt Foord; Slough Jets, Nicky Chinn; Milton Keynes Lightning, Gary Clarke.