BASINGSTOKE Bison added more depth to their defence this week with the signing of Canadian Trevor Read.

The 28-year-old from Calgary is an attacking defenceman and a good passer, who will be called upon to move the puck out of the Herd back division.

At 6ft 1in and 215lb, he will also be useful when it comes to clearing forwards away from his own net, to make him the complete defence package Last season, his third at Amarillo Gorillas in the Central Hockey League, he tallied 25 points from 61 games.

Before that, he had spells with Austin Ice Bats and also played in the East Coast Hockey League, helping Toledo Storm to a divisional title in his first season as a professional.

He becomes the fourth of 11 imports to be signed so far by Bison head coach Ryan Aldridge, who feels that Read will certainly make his mark in his first-ever season in Britain.

Aldridge said: "He is a skilled, physical guy, who does not pick up too many penalties. I think he will increase his points production for us and has been recommended by Brad (Cruikshank), who believes he will fit right into this team and will do a good job for us."

Bison captain Cruikshank is a good friend of Read's from their days back in Calgary, where the pair played together for Team Alberta in the Viking Cup - a big junior tournament against foreign teams.

Cruikshank said: "I think the fans will enjoy watching him play. He is a very smooth player with an excellent pass. He is certainly going to help out our powerplay and I think this is a great opportunity to prove how good he is."

Talking to The Gazette from Amarillo, in Texas, the latest Bison signing said: "I am really excited about coming to Britain to play.

"It is something I have thought about for a number of years and now is the right time for me."

What can the Bison faithful expect from their latest signing?

Read said: "I like to score points and get involved in the forward play, but I know my responsibility is to defend. So I will take care of that first.

"I enjoy playing on the powerplay, where I am more of a passer, but I won't give up an opportunity to shoot.

"I just wish the season was starting now as I can't wait to join the Bison and I look forward to a good season."

8:05am Saturday 21st June 2008

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