Planet Ice are excited to announce a new management team that will take over Basingstoke Bison Ice Hockey operation. The new operators are made up of Steve Nell and Rob Firmin and have finalised a deal that will secure The Bison’s future.
Steve Nell has commented “We’re thrilled to be supporting the return of the Basingstoke Bison to the Planet Ice NIHL National League for the 2025/26 season,”
Steve also added. “I’m pleased to be working alongside Rob Firmin as part of the new management team. Together, we’re committed to re-establishing the Bison as a competitive force within the league. There’s a lot of hard work ahead, but the journey starts now—and we can’t wait to see the Herd back on the ice.”
With work currently underway to refurbish the Basingstoke Rink, this is yet another positive sign for the Bison fan base that the rink will be operating for the 25/26 season.
Heath Rhodes, the brand Planet Ice Chief Operating Officer has also commented ‘We’ve been associated with Steve for three seasons at Leeds and now having met Rob we know they will be an excellent fit for our aspirations for the Bison into the future – they have a fantastic track record in the sport and l know they will make the Bison supporters proud’
Planet Ice wishes to thank John Neville for the 15 years he has operated Basingstoke Bison and also his commitment and support to make this happen.
John commented ‘It’s been my absolute privilege and pleasure to operate the Bison for the last 16 years or so and the time was right for me to step away from operating the team.
I’d thank you thank everyone associated with the club for their help and support during my tenure from the coaches, players, back room staff, all the loyal volunteers and of course the Herd faithful.
I wish Steve & Rob all the best for the future, the Bison fans are passionate, dedicated and so loud and I can’t wait to watch the new look team in action next season’
Planet Ice have been hard at work with the refurbishment which is currently on target with a schedule of works to be completed this summer. The demolition work has taken a good part of the last three weeks and work commences from April 23rd on the remediation required to address the stands, and walkways. They are in consultation with Basingstoke and Deane Council on a regular basis and cannot wait to get the building back open for people and families to start enjoying again.
