Basingstoke Bison have added two new imports to their roster, with forward Derek Roehl and defender Jan Jarabek replacing the outgoing Petr Polodna and Jakub Barton.

Roehl is no stranger to the British game, having played in the Elite League for Fife Flyers, Braehead Clan and Manchester Storm.

The American, who holds an Italian passport, scored over 100 points during his time in the EIHL and will be expected to make a big impact in the EPL.

Jarabek joins the club having played in Kazakhstan the past two seasons, after spells in Germany, Denmark, Hungary and his homeland of Slovakia.

The reigning champions have made a woeful start to the season, winning just one of their opening six games, but Head Coach Doug Sheppard is hopeful the duo will spark an immediate improvement in his team’s fortunes.

“I’ve never been afraid to make the changes I feel are necessary in order to achieve our goals.” Sheppard said.

“By bringing in two younger players I hope to see a return to the style of play that brought us so much success last season.”

Both players will make their debut on Saturday at home to Sheffield Steeldogs.

(Image permission: Mark Ferris)