The Bees finished eighth in the English Premier Ice Hockey League after a turbulent 2013/14 season before narrowly losing to champions Manchester Phoenix in the play-offs.

General manager Beeching confirmed at the club’s award night last Friday that Smital, who took over from Gareth Cox in mid-season, will be remaining as head coach next year and netminder Alex Mettam will also be staying on.

The rest of the roster will be announced in due course but Beeching is confident Bees will be a force to be reckoned with in the EPIHL.

“While our budget will never be up there with the Guildfords and Telfords and a few other teams, whatever budget we give Smits, he is a winner,” said Beeching.

* FOR FULL INTERVIEW AND MORE BEES NEWS PICK UP A COPY OF THE NEWS THIS WEEK.