FANS’ favourite and teenage sensation Vanya Antonov has re-signed for Bracknell Bees in a major coup for the ice hockey club.

The 17-year-old burst onto the scene last season and was being tracked by a string of rival clubs.

He even signed for Sheffield Steeldogs in May during the off-season as he was due to attend Sheffield University.

But Antonov had a sudden change of heart and decided not to accept his university place.

The news put Bees coach Lukas Smital on red alert and he wasted no time in offering Antonov a route back to The Hive.

The Russian-born forward has now pledged his immediate future to his boyhood club after penning a deal for the upcoming 2015/16 English Premier Ice Hockey League season.

A relieved Smital said: “I am pleased to have been able to add Vanya back to the Bees squad for this coming season, despite some fierce competition for his signature since his plans changed.

“It is unfortunate for him that he will not be attending university in Sheffield, but we are glad to see him back in the black, white and gold of the Bees.

“We all feel for him that things did not work out as he had intended, but he will give the squad a boost for sure.”

Antonov has spent his entire career in the UK with the Bees. He came through the club’s youth system with the U16 Stingers, U18 Drones and then the Bracknell Hornets in the National Ice Hockey League.

He made his senior debut for the Bees during the 2013/14 campaign and became a full-time member of the squad in January 2014.

Last season he became the star of Smital’s side with 18 goals and 20 assists in 41 games to finish as the top British points and goal scorer, winning eight man of the match awards in the process.

Bees fans quickly took to Antonov and voted him their Player of the Season and Best British Player at the club’s end of season awards in April.

It was a superb achievement by a player participating in his first full campaign and he also represented Team GB U20s and U18s, winning gold and bronze medals respectively at the World Junior Championships.

Bees confirmed that Antonov’s arrival means Bees will not be signing any more players before the start of the upcoming season.

Bees general manager Ben Beeching said: “Everyone could see Vanya had an exceptional breakout year last season and his return for the coming season is a fantastic boost to the whole club. I’m excited to see Vanya’s contribution to a successful year.”

Bees return to the ice this weekend with a double header against Telford Tigers in the Red Hockey Challenge Cup at The Hive this Saturday (7.30pm) and away on Sunday (6pm).