Basingstoke Bison boss Doug Sheppard praised Rene Jarolin’s toughness after seeing his forward pick up another unfortunate injury.

Jarolin was forced out of Sunday’s EPL game at Bracknell Bees after taking a puck to the ear midway through the first period, but Sheppard hopes he will be back on the ice next weekend.

“It’s been a rough start injury wise to this season for Rene,” said Sheppard.

“Sunday was the second time this year he’s been stitched up, but he’s such a competitor and such a team guy he wanted to carry on.

“Our medical staff insisted he sat out the rest of the game, but we’ll look forward to welcoming him back to the line-up next weekend and hopefully his luck will turn and he’s had his share of injuries now.”

After an indifferent start to the season the reigning champions have won four on the spin to move up to fifth in the table – a run which has delighted Sheppard.

“This was our second four-point weekend in a row and I think we earned both wins this weekend,” he added.

“We beat a very good Hull team on Saturday and Bracknell are playing well right now having just beaten Guildford and made us work hard to earn our win.

“Every four-point weekend feels good, but it’s a different feeling this weekend.

“Last weekend we beat a depleted Sheffield and got the points which was important, but this weekend I thought we played better hockey and put in two very good performances.

“I also liked that we played disciplined hockey and didn’t give away many powerplay opportunities. It was easily our best weekend of hockey so far this season.”

(Image permission: Grant King)