THE Basingstoke Bison have added two more returnees to the Herd for their forthcoming campaign, with the re-signing of forward Sam Talbot and defenceman Ollie Stone.

Talbot is one of the best young forwards in the league and started last season on a two way deal with the Bison from parent club the Slough Jets.

The 19-year-old scored 28 times in 20 games for the Jets in South One and was voted onto the second all star team for this league.

He then became a full time member of the Herd in late January and finished the campaign with an impressive 10 goals in 29 games.

He is a current junior Great Britain international and won the South Two title with Slough in season 2018/19, when he scored 32 times in 24 games.

Bison player/coach Ashley Tait is delighted to bring back one of the young stars and said: “I think last year Sam came in at just the right time for us and definitely improved our line-up.

“This year is where I believe he can really put his stamp on the league.

Tait added: “His game is well rounded, he can play in all situations and I think he’ll take on extra responsibility well.”

The return of Talbot will be met with just as much joy by the Bison fans as the re-signing of Stone.

The 22-year-old was a solid member of the Herd’s blue line core last season, which was his first in a Basingstoke jersey.

He joined from the Milton Keynes Thunder after a number of years with his home town team Swindon.

He collected nine assists for the Bison last season and picked up only 22 minutes in penalties, which was a great testament to the way he plays, considering the amount of ice time he logged up.

Tait is pleased to have Stone back for a second season and said: “I like the way Oli gets on with things quietly and efficiently. I see no reason why he cannot build on last season’s performances.”