Red Hockey purchased 49% of Bees' ownership company Precision Sports Marketing on Friday night.

The deal will see Bees share resources with English Premier Ice Hockey League champions Telford Tigers, who are also owned by Red Hockey.

But the move was met with a degree of scepticism by some Bees supporters who grilled Red Hockey chief executive, Wayne Scholes, and Bees general manager, Ben Beeching, during a debate on Twitter.

The key cause for concern was the future of influential captain Smital.

Bees supporter Matt Fettel asked: “I’m sure all the fans hope to see the legend Lukas Smital retained as head coach. Will this happen?” Beeching replied "Yes," to the question, while PSM chairman Andrew Cross added: “Very much so. For me, he is a Bracknell icon.” The future of Bracknell's large youth section was also raised by supporter, Justin Wilson.

Using the hashtag #beesnews, he asked: "What impact will your plans have in the junior and youth set-up?"

Cross replied: “Having a strong senior team with quality youth players being given an opportunity is the way forward."

Fans Gary Skeggs added: “We need a couple of experienced players next season, but would like to see the junior players get ice time as well."

Beeching stated: “The core and heartbeat of this club is the juniors. Nothing has changed from what we said at the launch event two summers ago.

“They will play a big part in the future plans for the squad, coupled with some experienced signings to fill gaps.” Bottom club Bees hope to put a wretched season on the ice behind them and the link-up with the Tigers has raised fans' hopes for the future.

"Right now I am focused on stability and growth in the English Premier League,”​ declared Scholes.

Scholes also hinted there will be an increase in Bees' merchandise over the coming months: "Every team should have a shop," he admitted. "We will certainly be collaborating on merchandise."

Finally, Bees insisted they will continue to consult with fans and the Bracknell Bees Supporters Club over any major changes at the club.

Scholes stressed: “Involvement by fans that is collaborative is key to helping build great models at every level of sport.”