MARCEL Petran has been released by Bracknell Bees to join an ice hockey club in Kazakstan.
The Slovakian defenceman has been a key player for Bees since joining in the summer from Basingstoke Bison.
In 23 matches he scored 12 goals, winning the November Player of the Month award and leading the scoring charts for defencemen in the English Premier Ice Hockey League.
Bees general manager Stuart Robinson said: "Marcel has received an offer he can't refuse from a club in Kazakstan. We fully understand his decision. It's his livelihood at the end of the day. He has been fantastic this season a key part of our positive start.
"We are all sorry to see him go, but we wish him well on his new adventure. Gareth and Lukas are already looking hard for an appropriate replacement and we hope to announce a new signing soon."
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