Annetts will partner Alex Mettam as the two netminders tasked with keeping the opposition out throughout next year.

The 27-year-old Reading-born netminder started his career close to home with the Bracknell Drones and Hornets, making his Bracknell Bees debut in 2003/04 in the old British National League.

Annetts has represented Guildford Phoenix, Flames and Slough Jets in his career before returning to the Bees for one season in 2008.

He then played two years for Basingstoke Bisons before again returning to the Hive in 2011, where he has been settled ever since.

Lukas Smital, Bees player/head coach said: “Tom is another key player who I am very happy to have secured the signing of for the forthcoming season.

“He has been with the Bees for a long time now and is a key part of the team who helps build a solid foundation for us going forward.

“He brings a lot of positive energy to the squad also. Although his games were limited last season to about one third of the matches, he was always solid and would step in well when needed.” This will be Annetts’ fifth straight season at the club having formed a solid patnership with Mettam over the past two years.

Annetts has a save average greater than 90% over his last four seasons and Smital believes the relationship between his two netminders helps spur them both on.

“Tom has a great relationship and chemistry with our other netminder Alex Mettam,” he said. “They help each other, support each other and both want each other to do well which to me is exactly what you want from a net-minding duo for the best outcome for the team.” General Manager for the Bees, Ben Beeching, echoed Smital’s sentiments and said to have two players of such quality between the sticks can only push the club forward.

“Tom has a good understanding with Alex Mettam,” he added. “This level of partnership and competition with the netminders is a real positive for the club.

“Tom’s a good guy to have around the club, and he’s a safe and sturdy pair of hands that can win a game on his own on his night. He doesn’t give a lot of net away and plays an important role so I’m delighted to have him back for the season.” Bees have been hard at work already this summer, with Mettam, James Towalski and Lewis Turner agreeing terms to re-sign for next year.

James Savage and Milan Kostourek have also put pen-to-paper on new deals.