29th Aug
Sorry I'm late with the news again, I've been away from a computer for a few days. For those who haven't yet heard, Colin Ward is the mystery 19th signing. Originally, he refused a contract because he believed he could get a better deal elsewhere. However, dave has always said there's a place here if he wants one, and so Colin has obviously decided we're the best he can manage (poor sod :-D). This is great news for the Bees, because it means we may actually have a goal scorer now! :-)
Also, strong rumours suggest that the new d-man is Barry McKinlay, formally of Thunder Bay Thunder-Cats. Going on the stats below, I don't think that this would be particularly bad news....
1986-87 U. of Illinois-Chicago NCAA 33 9 14 23 35 1987-88 U. of Illinois-Chicago NCAA 38 15 31 46 81 1991-92 Thunder-Bay Thunder Hawks CoHL 48 17 28 45 25 1992-93 Thunder-Bay Thunder Hawks CoHL 55 17 39 56 47 1993-94 Thunder-Bay Senators CoHL 40 14 43 57 53 1993-94 Prince-Edward-Island Sena AHL 17 2 5 7 6 1994-95 Thunder-Bay Senators CoHL 65 26 54 80 100 1994-95 Prince-Edward-Island Sena AHL 8 1 5 6 0 1995-96 Thunder-Bay Senators CoHL 54 10 43 53 87 1996-97 Thunder-Bay Thunder Cats CoHL 65 32 58 90 82 1997-98 Thunder-Bay Thunder Cats UHL 74 36 90 126 4026th Aug
From today's Bracknell News:
Bees coach Dave Whistle has scooped the signature of another top forward - but his details are being hushed up until the deal has gone through. The News can reveal that the secret star has returned a signed contract but the club is stiull refusing to release his name until everything is finalised. Whistle, though, is delighted with his man: "I am sure he will be a good player," he said.
"That's our 19th player signed and that is probably what we will go with all year. We have got one more spot available, but we'll have to wait to see. Right now we don't need a 20th player, but if the right guy becomes available we have got one more work permit left."
The new mystery man will follow the defenceman who is still waiting for a tamp from the Canadian government before he can too can join. Those two and Frank LaScala were the only players missing from Bees' first training session on Monday. And as they prepare for Saturday's curtain-raiser against Slough Whistle insisted: "We are raring to go."
The coach confirmed his eagerness to get the new term underway when he said: "I want to get the games coming. I can't wait to get them started. Everybody wants to start with a win against Sloughand we will be there working as hard as we can. We want to play everbody in the team and they will all be getting their fair share of ice time. I just want everybody to have a good weekend and as long as we win and as long as everybody comes out injury-free that will be a good weekend."
Whistle admitted the two challenge matches will not provide a true reflection on how his new acquisitions will shape up, but after meeting them on Monday he thought they would still live up to his expectations. "Everybody's kind of what I thought," he said. "They fit the role I thought they were going to fit and I am looking forward to getting them in the games. We want to get everybody playing as a team and I'm hoping to get everybody up to 100 per cent by the first saturday against Newcastle."
16th Aug
Sorry for the lateness of this news, but I've had a hectic weekend driving down from scotland to Bracknell. For those of you who still don't know, Bracknell have signed Frank LaScala, formerly of Newcastle Cobras. Below is the press release, and his stats have been added to the career stats page.
LASCALA FOR BEES
After the disapointment pf not obtaining a work permit for Chris Rowland, Bees' Head Coach, Dave Whistle, has swooped for ex-Newcastle Cobra, Frank LaScala.
The 6'3", 215lb left winger was third in the point scoring race for Cobras last season and impressed with his size and strength. The 29+ year old, from Ontario, Canada, was previously with German Elite League team Wedemark Scorpions and in 1995/96 season, racked up a very impressive 45 goals and 50 assists in 69 games for East Coast Hockey League side Knoxville Cherokees.
Bee's eighteenth player, a defenceman, is expected to return his contract after this weekend.
16th aug
Thanks to Bobblehat for this article from the Reading Evening Post, which gives the Bees' point of view on the Chris Rowland debacle:
Bracknell Bees have failed in their second attempt to sign Chris Rowland.The club have been told that Rowland's application for a WP has been refused because he failed to play at a high enough standard last season. Ironically Rowland was granted a work permit when Bees first tried to sign him back in January only for it to arrive after the extended deadline. Up until then he had been an ever present member of the ECHL. His abortive move to the Bees left him without a club and he subsequently played out the season in the WHL, seen by the DfEE as a drop in standard.
Bees felt that there was a good chance that Chris's extenuating circumstances might be taken into account after consulting with the Sekonda Superleague, the BIHA and the IHPA - the three organisations who advise the government department on work permits. However it is understood that the IHPA, who are unhappy about the number of foreigners playing in this country failed to support Rowland's application and it was refused.
In a club statement, Bees would only say, "When asking advice on Rowland's chances of getting a work permit for this season, Bees' management were informed that due to the circumstances, there was a good chance the work permit would be granted. However the Management learned late on Tuesday that not all the parties in the decision making process were in agreement and the application was refused."
Bees coach Dave Whistle said, "Whilst this a blow for the team, it is an even bigger blow for Chris, who has now found himself twice in the position where he has signed for a contract to play for us but he has been refused permission through no fault of his own. He is a class player who without doubt is of a level more than capable of playing in the Sekonda Superleague and it is very frustrating."
13th Aug
Rabid Bee - I am not impressed with your ill informed comments on this subject. They are based on speculation and rumour and are incorrect. I am not aware that the DfEE were ever happy to issue a Work Permit this time round and it certainly has nothing to do with his calibre.
You appear to have convieniently forgotten that Rowland's permit last season was supported by those involved in the WP scheme and that it was the sole decision of the ISL in refusing to register him to play in the UK last season that has scuppered any chance of his renewal application being accepted. This was not aided by the players own personal decision to play in a league in the USA that was not within the criteria and was against all the advice he received including from the IHPA and his own agent whom he also chose to ignore.
I received this mail earlier on from the IHPA, and felt I should put it on to allow them the chance to defend themselves. I'd just like to point out I was merely repeating the info I received from my, err, sources. I was told that when they had spoken to Jane McDougal, she felt that the failure was down to outside sources, and alledgedly named the BIHA or the IHPA. I suppose to that list should also be added the ISL. Anyway, two things about this situation strike me as very naff. First off, if Chris was good enough in February, I don't see why playing for in a "lower" league for a few games strikes him off, after all I would have fought the IHPA would see he has to think about his wages and take what he can get. However, I also think it pretty poor that British hockey should be in such a situation that we're arguing over foreigner's work permits. This will be the second season Bracknell have iced with out any Brits (as the roster currently stands). Why hasn't any effort been made to produce juniors, or at least sign other people Brits? There are players out there good enough, it's just no coaches are interested in even looking.
12th Aug
Chris Rowland has had his application for a work permit rejected. It seems that the DfEE were happy to grant him the permit but "outside sources" (probably the BIHA or IHPA) were unhappy and persuaded the DfEE that he wasn't of the right caliber. I seriously hope that this isn't because he was unable to play the right number of games last season, after all the mucking around he had to put up with. The club claim that they have a replacement already lined up, and that he has ISL experiance.
11th Aug
Some late news just in from the Reading Evening Post Bracknell Bees have agreed personal terms with a new Canadian defenceman. His identity is being kept quiet until the signed contract is returned for fear that other ISL sides may become aware of his availability. His arrival is also subject to him obtaining permission to work in this country. It is thought that he will not require a work permit because his wife has British ancestry. Bees coach Dave Whistle said, "He's a big offensive-minded defenceman. We've agreed a deal personally although no contracts have been signed yet. But he's already begun to make moves towards ensuring he can play over here. All his documentation has been mailed to the British Consulate and legally everything is in place for him to get a stamp in his passport entitling him to work here. The new recruit has played in the AHL and the United Hockey League.
Paxton Schulte is described by Whistle as a "grinder". "He's 6ft 2in and a strong guy who drives to the net. He's not afraid to mix it with anybody."
Whistle said, "I have gone for players with a lot of life in them. I'd rather have 10 or 11 forwards chipping in than relying on 1 or 2 to score."
11th Aug
Thanks to Gary for this Press Release:
BEE'S COURAGE BOOST
SCOTTISH COURAGE JOINS BEES AS SPONSORS
Scottish Courage Limited, the country's leading beer suplier, have boosted the start of the Sekuonda Ice Hockey Superleague campaign of the Bracknell Bees, after agreeing a closed season sponsorship deal.
The new deal will see Scottish Courage using the Bracknell Ice Rink as a new and unique showcase for leading brands such as Fosters, John Smith's and Miller Genuine Draft. The partnership builds upon the relationship built up over time that Scottish Courage has traded with the Nike Group of Companies. The agreement includes rinkside branding and the title rights to Man of the Match.
Mike McKenzie, MD, Scottish Courage National Sales said "We are delighted to have concluded the sponsorship agreement which will reinforce our association with the Nike Group of Companies. We wish the Bees every success in the forthcoming season."
Bees Chief Executive Martin Weddell stated, "This agreement demonstrates that the Thames Valley franchise and the Sekonda Superleague Bracknell Bees are moving forward. The addition of such a credible sponsor in Scottish Courage Limited, helps us to develope our business plans and ensures that the very best in professional ice hockey is available to the local community. ALP are excited by this agreement and will ensure this is a very successful sponsorship for all concerned."
11th Aug
Still no news on Chris Rowland's Work Permit. Also, a rumour links Bracknell to Frank LaScala, last season of the Cobras.
7th Aug
Bees are hoping that the work permit for Paxton Schulte will be through before the two pre-season friendly games against the Jets.
In the past the DfEE have taken anything from two weeks to two months to process an application, but the Bees can take heart from the fact that their other former NHL recruit, PC Drouin, had his work permit processed in little more than two weeks. The signing of Schulte should bring the number of work permit holders at the club to six - the maximum allowed per club in the Superleague this season for a squad of 18 players. PC, Shayne and Dale are already in possession of their work permits, whilst applications are also in for Norm Dezainde and Chris Rowland as well as Schulte.
With Schulte bringing the squad up to 17 players, Bees' next signing must be a player not requiring a work permit. Dave is hopeful that the 18th vacancy will be filled by the defenceman he is currently trailing. If the deal comes off then the Bees will be unrestricted in signing the 19th and final player of their squad. This is because Superleague rules allow 7 work permit holders for teams with 19 or 20 players.
6th Aug
The Bees have signed a new forward, Paxton Schulte, who looks to be yet another hardhitter/total goon (276 {PIMS in 96/97 alone!). Thanks to Gary for this Press Release:
BEES POUNCE FOR SHUTTLE
The Bracknell Bees today announced another new signing for the coming Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague season.
26 year old Paxton Schulte has become the 17th player signed by Head Coach Dave Whistle and is another player who will bring valuable experience to the team. Since leaving the University of North Dakota in 1991, Schulte played one season in the Western Hockey League before being brought into the American Hockey League where he played 199 games for the Cornwall Aces and 144 for Saint-John Flames. In 1993/94 he played one game for NHL side the Quebec Nordiques, picking up 2 minutes in penalties and in 96/97 played for the Calgary Flames, again picking up 2 minutes in penalties. He finished last season playing 10 games for Las Vegas Thunder in the International Hockey League.
Schulte is expected to arrive in the UK toward the end of August, once his work permit is in place.
Coach Whistle is close to signing a defenceman who is expected to bring size and strength to the side.
Also, Bracknell are expected to hear the results of Chris Rowland's work permit decision tomorrow.
4th August
Thanks to Bobblehat for this, from tonight's Reading Evening Post:
WHISTLE LINES UP FIFTH NEW FORWARD FOR THE BEES
Bracknell Bees coach, Dave Whistle, is close to signing a fifth new forward, as terms have been agreed with a right winger. Bees now await the return of the signed contract from the player who iced in the AHL last season. His identity will not be revealed until the deal is done for fear of alerting rival clubs to his availability.
Whistle is also talking with a new defenceman, and remains on the lookout for another forward. Dave said, "I'd like to start the season with 19 players. Providing everybody can get work permits I think the team will shape up well. I'm sorry to have lost Brian Pellerin but despite that I think we should start with a better team than last season."
A lot will be expected of 6ft 2in PC Drouin who played three games for Boston Bruins in the 1996/97 season. Whistle said, "His experience will help us a lot. He's a big, solid player who has good statistics everywhere he's been. He's a good skater with a good shot and hopefully he'll be one of our top scorers."
Norm Dezainde comes highly recommended by Shayne McCosh with whom he played junior hockey. Dave said, "He'll bring a lot of heart to the team and his work ethic is second to none. He and Sal Manganaro are similar types of player. I have spoken to their coaches and they confirmed that they have that winning attitude which is what we need to keep the tempo of our game up. Sal will also bring a little bit of speed to the team. He's a good hard-nosed player"
Work permit problems may still prevent Chris Rowland from joining, but Dave is hoping that the DfEE will look favourably on his case. The collapse of his proposed transfer to the Bees last season left him without a club in Canada for a while, and he may not have played enough games at a sufficiently high standard to qualify for a work permit for the new season.
Meanwhile Dave has not ruled out renewing his interest in Colin Ward. Bees were put off retaining him because of his high wage demands despite a prolific strike rate of 21 goals in 39 games, but if he fails to find a new team, a deal could still be negotiated.
31st July
Rumours currently flying around suggest that Bracknell are close to signing three new players, whilst another rumour has it that contracts have been sent out to two new defencemen, and the club are just awaiting their return.
26th July
Well, as it says on the front page, I had problems with my modem last week, and so was unable to update the page. As I'm sure most of you will by now know, Bees signed two more players in that period. Last year's failed deadline-day target, Chris Rowland, has joined, as has Norm Dezainde. Below is the Press Release (thanks Gary):
Chris Rowland, who was denied a place with the Bracknell Bees last season, has signed a contract for the 98/99 season. Although Rowland was issued with a work permit last season, the documentation came too late to allow him to be signed, after an already extended transfer deadline. Despite an attempt by the Bee's management to claim extenuating circumstances, the Seconda Ice Hockey Superleague executive refused the appeal. After discussing the situation regarding a work permit for this season with the Seconda Ice Hockey Superleague, Bees coach Davw Whistle offered a contract to Rowland. 27 year old Rowland comes highly recommended by Bees players who have in the past played with him or against him and if work permit is granted, he is expected to make a significant contribution to the team.
Ex-Dayton Bomber, Norm Dezainde has also returned a signed contract. The 5'10", 190lbs 25 year old played in the ECHL, AHL, and IHL since 1994 and last season played 46 games for Dayton, racking up 15 goals, 19 assists and 248 minutes in penalties. He also played a total of 10 games for Michigan and Cincinnati in the IHL. His carrer started as a 17 year old with OHL team Kitchener Rangers, based not far from his home town of Jarvis, Ontario.
Secondly, as the more observant of you will have noticed fvrom above, the league has signed a sponsorship deal with Sekonda, worth �1 million over three years.
And finally, there are reports that John Nike is seeking planning permission to build a new 12,000 seat arena (with 8,000 athletics track) at Amen Corner. Below is an article taken from the Bracknell Times
PUTTING BRACKNELL ON THE MAP. NEW SPORTS ARENA WILL RIVAL NATION'S BEST SAYS NIKE
"Bracknell multi-millionaire John Nike has unveiled plans for a sports complex which he says will be of national importance - after a long fight with the planners.
Mr Nike admitted it had been a battle, as the council originally threw out plans for an ambitious basketball stadium at the John Nike Way site in Binfield. "All of that was caused by prematurity, they actually did want the centre", he said, "but it was only that they considered it premature at the time".
Mr Nike - who shows his commitment to sport in Bracknell with his sponsorship of of ice hockey and basketball teams, Bracknell Bees and Thames Valley Tigers - hopes the massive sports and leisure complex could "put Bracknell on the map".
The facility could rival those in Manchester or Birmingham, boasting an indoor running track, new ice rink, indoor stadium, basketball arena and a park and ride scheme. Around 45,000 sq. metres of office space could dominate the land just south of the current leisure complex."
16th July
Bracknell's full Fixture List has finally been added to the site. The ISL programme has returned to a six game (three home, three away) basis again, however with a twist. To replace the Express Cup, there will now be a Challange Cup. Points gained in the Cup will also count towards the league table. Finally, as explained before, the B+H Cup will consist of two ISL groups and two BNL groups, with the one playing off against the other in the 2nd round.
15th July
According to yesterday's Reading Evening Post Bracknell have verbally agreed terms with two new players.
12th July
Sorry I didn't put this up sooner, I've been away. It seems I must have missed the Bees' blazing publicity and so knew nowt about the signing of Sal Manganaro. Again, he's from Boston (along with the Burkes and Drouin).
9th July
Apparently, Bracknell have signed a new player - 24 year old Pierre-Claude Drouin. He's 6 f 2, 210 lbs, plays on the left wing and has previously played for Cornell University, Charlotte Checkers, Providence Bruins and three times for Boston Bruins.
Also, there seem to be a lot of rumours about a player called Sal Manganaro, but as I have yet to see confirmation of this, I'd keep on holding your breath...
Bracknell will begin the new season with a two legged challenge match against nearest and dearest, Slaaahhh Jets. The games are at Slough on Saturday 29th #August (6:30pm), and the Hive on Sunday 30th August (6:00pm).
Finally, it was confirmewd that Shayne McCosh will absolutely definitely be playing for Bracknell next season, after he returned his contract. Hurrah!
30th June
Thanks to Bobblehat for this from tonight's Reading Evening Post:
Jeff Johnstone, the Bees' youngest player, has agreed personal terms to return for the third season. Johnstone, aged 22, from Ontario, Canada, is the 11th member of last season's 19-man squad to confirm he will be back for another season. The Canadian centreman was sidelined by various injuries for 13 of Bees' 63 league and cup games last season. He scored 13 goals and recorded 23 assists and did enough to persuade Dave Whistle that he is worth retaining.
Johnstone is a face-off specialist and Whistle said, "I think Jeff is a very smart player who reads the game well, is good defensively and can chip in with points as well. I think he improved last year but was unlucky with injuries."
A doubt remains over the signing of Brian Pellerin, while Shayne McCosh is still expected to return. Whistle revealed, though, that he is close to signing two new forwards. Both have agreed terms verbally but their identities will remain secret until contracts are signed. They are understood to have been playing minor league hockey in North America and would be making their first appearances in this country.
19th June
Matt Cote has been confirmed as returning for yet another season. What an absolute hero!
17th June
Greg and Dennis Burke have both re-signed for Bracknell. Shayne McCosh's contract is expected back, whilst Matt Cote is entering negotiations.
This was in the Reading Eveningh Post:
Greg and Denis Burke have agreed personal terms with the Bees and the club are expecting to receive signed contracts from the pair any day. Coach Dave Whistle said the Boston-born brothers were among the most popular figures in the dressing room. He said, "They are both good quality players and they get along with the others very well. You need that team spirit and I'm very glad that they are going to be back."
Bees are hoping that Shayne McCosh will be the 10th player from last season's squad to confirm that he will be returning - especially now that his long-term friend Dale Junkin has signed a new contract. Meanwhile, Matt Cote is due to meet with chief executive Martin Weddell today to discus terms, while doubts remain over Brian Pellerin and Jeff Johnstone.
15th June
According to Teletext, Dale Junkin and Todd Kelman have returned contracts today.
12th June
Bracknell's B+H fixtures have been announced today. As usual, teams have been arranged in groups of four for the opening round, with each team playing every other once at home and once away. However, an inovation for this year sees two groups being exclusively made of ISL teams, and the other two made exclusively of BNL teams. After the group matches, there will be a secnd round consisting of a cross group two legged knockout tie. The 1st team in Group A will play the fourth in Group C, the second in group A will play the third in Group C, and so forth. Bracknell are in Group A alongside Newcastle Cobras, Cardiff Devils, and last year's grand slam winners and Express Cup Final Opposition, Ayr Scottish Eagles. Group C is compossed of Edinburgh Capitals, Fife Flyers, Paisley Pirates and Telford Tigers. The fixtures in full are:
9th June
From tonight's Reading Evening Post:
Bracknell Bees coach, Dave Whistle has made offers to four new players as he attempts to strengthen his club's Superleague squad. Whistle said, "I'm working my way through a list. At the moment I'm looking at the best of the minor league players. Two have been sent written offers and two have been made offers through word of mouth. Without revealing their identities, three are forwards and one is a defenceman. Two of those guys were with NHL clubs but their contracts are about to end. They didn't play in the NHL but played strictly in the American League. They're still looking to get contracts in the NHL. Its a time game with them because they may consider coming over here if they are released. The NHL draft is near the end of June and that's when those clubs start deciding who to let go. I'm hoping to get more answers around the first week in July."
Meanwhile netminder Mark Bernard is the fifth player from last season to confirm he will be returning. Bees' Chief Executive, Martin Weddell said, "Bernie was originally made an offer along with several players. These offers were all revoked when we appointed Dave Whistle as coach to give him chance to build the team he wanted. The offers were then revised in light of a Superleague owner's meeting where it was agreed that the wages spiral had to be stopped to prevent clubs going bust. Bernie initially felt unable to accept the revised offer but having now understood the offer in its fullest context, he has signed. He is a character and does get on well with the management, I am delighted he has had a change of heart."
7th June
Apparently, Bernie is now returning. After having signed as player/assistant coach for a team in USA, the Bees' Hotline is now reporting that Bernie is in fact heading back to Bracknell. more on this when I get it!
7th June
Ex-Bee Jason Coles has joined Kingston Hawks of the BNL.
5th June
Thanks to Bobblehat for this extract from tonight's Reading Evening Post:
"Bees are close to bringing back Shayne McCosh, Dale Junkin and the Burke Brothers but a question mark has now arisen over popular forward Brian Pellerin who is considering other offers from abroad. Matt Cote and Jeff Johnstone are still negotiating but it seems unlikely that Bees will retain Derek DeCosty who missed a large part of last season through illness, and with the news earlier this week that Colin Ward had failed to agree personal terms, Bees now face looking to sign at least seven new players for next season."
Bees have also confirmed they have recieved contracts back from Joe Ferraccioli, as player-assistant coach, and from Chris Brant and Brian Greer.
Apparently, in an interview in Canada, Bernie has revealed that he would have returned to Bracknell, but the club reduced his offer as he didn't return his contract in time. He says that he was merely giving the club time to find a coach, and says he would still be happy to return.
Finally, it is rumoured that Wayde Bucsis could be joining the new London Knights team.
3rd June
From tonight's Reading Evening Post:
Bracknell Bees' hard working forward Colin Ward looks unlikely to return to the club for the next season. Bees are a long way from agreeing personal terms and coach Dave Whistle said, "I do not think we going to come to an agreement."
Ward was voted the club's top forward by supporters despite only joining from Italian side Gardena midway through last season. His hard-nosed, no-nonsense approach brought him 21 goals and 12 assists from 39 games.
Bees have also been forced to abandon a second attempt to sign Chris Rowland after being told he is unlikely to gain a work permit to play in this country. Last season his work permit failed to arrive in time for him to become a replacement for Wayde Bucsis. He had already quit his club in the East Coast Hockey League to join the Bees and then saw out the season with West Coast League outfit Fresno In California. The D of E say that constituted a step down in standard and he no longer qualifies for a work permit.