The off-ice report

Monday, 10th April 2006

The off-season is here again, and with it comes the return of The Off-Ice Report, where we take a look at the Elite League teams as they sign or release players and coaches whilst preparing their rosters ready for the start of the next season. This edition starts in Basingstoke, where former Manchester Storm netminder Mark Bernard has committed himself to another season as Head Coach of the Bison. Signing on for his third season with the team, Bernard commented that "At the end of the day I had to make a decision in where I wanted to be. I had a couple of offers to head back home but I really feel my business here is not complete as I've worked very hard the last two years building different areas up and I want to be here to see them come to fruition."

Coventry Blaze have confirmed the retirement of Joel Poirier, who will be hanging up his skates after Coventry's charity game against the NHL All Stars this coming Thursday. The former Nottingham Panthers player first made an impact on these shores as a part of the Newcastle Riverkings team that went all the way to the Play Off Finals in 2000, only to lose out to an on-form London Knights. Poirier has spent the last four seasons with Coventry, joining them when they were a part of the old British National League and serving with them through their time in the Elite League so far, including being a part of last season's Grand Slam success. Poirier is philosophocal about his decision to retire, saying "I think when you've been as passionate about the game of hockey for as long as I have, it's always going to be hard to make that absolute decision to stop playing."

by Richard Allan

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The off-ice report