The Bison are back but the Bees pause playing

Supporters gather to celebrate the return to competition of the Basingstoke Bison

Fans have spoken of their "euphoria" following confirmation their team will return to competition in September.

The Hampshire-based Basingstoke Bison have been absent from the last two years of the NIHL National League - British ice hockey's second tier.

Refurbishments to their home rink, Planet Ice Basingstoke, were originally scheduled to only last one year but overran.

An announcement of new ownership last month, and confirmation from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council that a new company had been found to take over the rink's long-term lease, has secured their place in the NIHL.

Bison fans pack the stands as their team takes to the ice

Supporters of the Bison have weathered a period of uncertainty around the club's future. For fans it is a long-awaited and emotional return.

"It means everything to us," said Jean Cashman, one of the first ever season ticket holders at the club.

"It's more than sport. It's family."

Another fan added, "It's been rough. Every weekend, sitting there thinking "I should be at a game tonight," it's like a hole is missing, a chunk has been taken out of you, you're just waiting for it to fit back into place. And now it's finally going to!"

Fans met with the new ownership for the first time earlier this month in Basingstoke, where new and returning members of the squad were presented.

"We've fought for ice hockey in Basingstoke for many, many years," explained Caroline Morris, whose family have remained in the same seats at the arena since the club's founding in 1988. "We've been at the council offices so many times as a family, trying to fight for our team. So it's euphoria. Absolute euphoria for everybody."

Former player Steve Nell joins the management team of the Basingstoke Bison for the new season

Steve Nell, who played ice hockey for 17 years before moving into management, joins Rob Firmin as the two new operators of the club.

"I used to play here in 1991 and 1992, so I knew the town, it's got a heritage," said Nell.

"It's got a great hockey background and we've had some success over the years. Our job is to try and bring that back and bring some long-term sustainability to the club."

The rink is expected to open in summer before the 2025-26 NIHL season begins in September.

The Berkshire Bees relaunched their brand last season in a bid to give the team a stronger identity

But while the Bison are back the Berkshire Bees have announced they will be taking a break from competing.

"It was a really tough decision." said Graeme Bower, director of the Berkshire Bees.

"We need a moment in time to do the things that mean we can stay around for the long term.

"It's not just finance, it's everything. What we don't want is to start this season and three quarters of the way through the season we go "Oh heck" we're never going to make another season after this one".

The Berkshire Bees, who play at the Slough Ice Arena rebranded last year in a bid to give the club a strong identity.

The Bees hope to take inspiration from the Bison and return stronger in future seasons.