Published: Saturday, 23rd January, 2010 4:00pm

Ice hockey club provides a buzz for servicemen

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THE work of soldiers will be honoured at an ice hockey match raising money for charity.

Bracknell Bees has invited local servicemen and women to their home match on Sunday against the Basingstoke Bison.

The team has signed a new partnership for the 2009/10 English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL) season, with the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) and Stuart Robinson, Bracknell Bees' general manager, said: "We are proud to support all service members and their families in the UK as part of the Value for Valour scheme.

"They make so many sacrifices and we all owe them a debt of gratitude in difficult times."

The ABF has worked tirelessly for over 65 years to support serving soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need. The partnership is a natural link for the Bees as the ABF is keen champions of the Value for Valour (V4V) discount scheme in support of all UK service personnel.

The scheme was started by the News and Ascot Racecourse two years ago with the Bees quick to signed up o.

At the time it encouraged companies in the Bracknell and Berkshire area to offer discounts for serving men and women, but has since grown, with the held of Ronnie Wilkie formerly of Ascot Racecourse, to a national level.

The scheme is part of a national initiative for discounted tickets to sporting events. Mr Robinson added: "Some of our fans regularly watch famous Canadian celebrity Don Cherry on his Coach's Corner slot on Hockey Night in Canada, and will know of the close links and affinity that the sport has over there with its armed service personnel."

Members of the ABF will also be running a bucket collection before the match.

Mr Robinson said: "We're really looking forward to hosting the servicemen and women at the Basingstoke match as our guests for the night.

"Hopefully a few more surprises have been arranged as well."

Under the V4V scheme, service members are invited to take up a discounted ticket offer of £5 for adults and £2.50 for juniors by presenting their MOD90 Service Card when buying the tickets on match nights only.

The match, which will be held at the John Nike Leisuresport Complex, starts at 6pm.