<strong>BRACKNELL Bees have announced that captain Matt Foord will return to the Hive for a ninth season with the club. </strong> <strong>BRACKNELL Bees have announced that captain Matt Foord will return to the Hive for a ninth season with the club. </strong> Foord is currently second in the list of all-time Bracknell Bees appearances with over 350 to his name and he was an ever present last season as Lucas Smital’s side finished bottom of the EPIHL.

He racked up 17 goals and nine assists in his 54 games and his high work rate makes him a firm fans favourite with the Bees faithful.

Smital is pleased to see his captain return and says his vast experience will only benefit his teammates over the course of the season.

“It goes without saying that I am delighted to have Matt back for another season with the Bees,” he said. “A natural leader both on and off the ice and a 100% team player, he does whatever it takes to get things done during a game but without losing discipline.

“What else can you really say about Matt, he has been with the Bees for nearly a decade now and brings an absolute wealth of experience to the side.

“He has a tremendous work rate and commitment that is truly impressive and someone the younger players should aspire to.” Ben Beeching, general manager of the Bees added: “Matt and I go back a long way, and he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet for his versatility and experience.

“He’s one of those players who knows where the net is, but also knows how to work the corners, can play both special teams if needed and does all the little things right as well as putting in a strong shift every night.

“He is also an important and influential leader to have on the team given our strong and ongoing commitment to youth.”