MORE firepower has been added to the Basingstoke Bison Britpack this week with the signing of the raw talent of Ross Bowers from the Milton Keynes Lightning.

The Luton-born forward will turn 23 later this month and is excited about making his debut in the top flight of the game, having spent all of his career at MK in the English Premier League.

In his first four years with the Lightning, he was part of their play-off-winning team and scored in the 2006 final when the team beat the Bracknell Bees at Coventry.

For the past two seasons, he has been the second-highest goalscoring Brit for MK, behind league top dog and former Bison star Gary Clarke, hitting the net 18 times last year, four less than the season before.

The Bison's latest addition said: "I am really excited about coming to Basingstoke. Last season was not the best year for me, as I played through injury and that did not help my confidence.

"However, I ended the season well and will now look to bring that form to Basingstoke. I can't wait for the season to start."

As to what the Herd's fans can expect from their new signing, he said: "I know the pace of the Elite League is going to be faster, but I will be looking to work hard every shift and hopefully chip in with some goals as well."

Bison head coach Ryan Aldridge is delighted with his latest signing. He said: "I played against Ross two years ago when I was in Bracknell and he was a good player then. I have been told that last year he may not have got as many points, but he was a much better player."

As to where the new boy will slot into the line-up, Aldridge said: "I am going to play him on a line with Tommo Shaun Thompson and a new tough guy, so this will mean they will not get intimidated.

"I am sure Ross will do well for the Bison."

• Basingstoke have announced their first pre-season challenge game, which will be against the Cardiff Devils on Sunday, August 31.

Aldridge said: "Games with Cardiff are always great for the fans. It should be a good workout for us ahead of the first weekend of the league campaign."

8:02am Sunday 20th July 2008

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