BRACKNELL Bees fans can look forward to another year of ice hockey in the town, writes Anthony Smith.

The future of the club has been secured following the success of a Save Our Bees campaign.

Bees were on the brink of closure after former owners Precision Sports Marketing withdrew financial backing in March.

But players, backroom staff and fans joined forces to stave off the threat and take over the running of the club under the new owners, Bees Live Limited.

BLB gained an instant result by managing to secure a licence to continuing operating under the Bees brand.

And this week Bees convinced the English Premier Ice Hockey to allow them to compete in the division next season.

Bees will now be one of 10 teams taking part in the league during the 2016/17 campaign along with Guildford Flames, Hull Pirates, Manchester Phoenix, Milton Keynes Lightning, Peterborough Phantoms, Sheffield Steeldogs, Swindon Wildcats, Telford Tigers and defending champions Basingstoke Bison.

The teams will play three home and away ties against each other, with the first pairing counting towards the EPIHL Cup, which Guildford will be defending.

After the conclusion of the regular season, the top eight teams will qualify for the playoffs, culminating in the traditional finals in Coventry.

The EPIH league season will begin in September, with the Coventry finals weekend moving back to April 8 and 9 next year.

England Ice Hockey Association chairman Ken Taggart said: "I am satisfied the EPIHL teams are working diligently on challenges to improve aspects of this league.

“Rest assured, the league will be competitive and entertaining to supporters.

“I anticipate another season where the unexpected provides us with another action packed, fast games with great players , and team surprises along the way.

“Great luck to all the teams and let's all support the league and our local team.”

In another boost for Bees, three major signings have already agreed to return to The Hive next season.

Lukas Smital – who was instrumental in saving the club – will continue in his role as player/head coach.

British netminder Alex Mettam has also signed for another season between the pipes.

In addition, club captain Matt Foord has agreed to return for what will be his 10th season for Bees spread over two spells.

Smital said: "It goes without saying that I am delighted to have Matt back for his tenth season overall with the Bees.

“He is a natural leader both on and off the ice and a 100% team player, doing whatever it takes to get things done during a game but without losing discipline at all.

"What else can be said about Matt, he has been with the Bees for a decade now, on and off, and brings a huge wealth of experience to the squad as well as a tremendous work rate and commitment that can only be beneficial to the Bees."

The news that Bees' future has been secured was celebrated by fans including Matthew Fettel, one of three new directors tasked with running the club.

Fettel said: “From a financial point of view it was touch and go. We had a lot of donations in the final week which made a big difference.

“We had a lot of support from sponsors and 130 season ticket holders signed up which shows how much this means to them.”