As Basingstoke looks ahead to the return of ice hockey, the Bison Ice Hockey Academy is preparing for a fresh start, driven by a passionate leadership team and a renewed focus on player development and community engagement.
Looking to honour the club’s proud history whilst building on that foundation, the leadership team shared the following vision:
“What the Junior Bison organisation managed to do before, season after season, has been excellent. Players, coaches, staff and parents have made the club very special. We need to get this back and more. This is the perfect time to really make a change.
With the eagerly anticipated re-opening of the Basingstoke ice rink, the Bison Academy is getting ready to re-launch, offering aspiring players of all ages and abilities the opportunity to train, develop and thrive.
The Bison Ice Hockey Academy is founded on a mission to make ice hockey accessible and available to all abilities, providing a clear pathway from Learn to Play through to adult competition.”
This renewed approach marks a significant step forward for ice hockey and with a strong foundation of community support and a clear developmental pathway, the Academy is focused on creating a positive, inclusive environment where every player can reach their full potential.
What the Academy offers:
- · The Bison Academy will run as a non-competitive team. This means players can train and play, and still play for another club at the same time. The Academy is open to LTP - U19.
- · Structured training - we will offer a balanced programme that combines skill development with real game experience.
- · Expert coaching staff - the players will be led by experienced and passionate coaches dedicated to nurturing talent at all levels.
- · Extra ice time - we are offering additional sessions to support player growth and confidence. This will include at least one training session per week and where possible we will arrange challenge games throughout the season.
Meet the leadership team:
Nick Boulding - General Manager, will implement the operations and strategy for the Academy's success. Nick said “I’m extremely excited and I believe that by working together and leveraging our strengths we can achieve great things for the Academy.
Kelsey Boulding - Operations Manager, Running day-to-day operations and coordination for all participants, Academy finances and off ice management.
Kelsey says “We are excited to get the Academy up and running so that we can be part of the structure in supporting young players to develop and thrive.
Ryan Cathcart, On Ice Operations, will run all on ice and coaching operations. Ryan said "This is such an exciting time for the new Bison Ice Hockey Academy to re-open. We don't have to compare ourselves to anyone else, and we can challenge ourselves to make the club really strong and re-invent the Junior Bison. We will be open to new methods and technologies, and I really hope we can make Basingstoke a club where players can strive, challenge themselves and progress, as well as making memories.
Players, parents, former managers, and coaches wishing to register their interest are encouraged to fill in our expression of interest form. If you have any further questions please contact the Basingstoke Bison Academy team at bisonacademy@basingstokebison.com.
You can also follow the academies social media channel’s here:
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