Steve Moria became coach of Basingstoke Bison in 2009

Basingstoke Bison coach Steve Moria says his side are determined to win silverware this season.

Basingstoke are currently fourth in the English Premier League and Moria told BBC Berkshire: "Our first goal is the cup competition.

"The top four in our league go into the semi-finals for the cup, so right now we are situated nicely for that.

"We've had a great league start and have a strong team that can compete for a trophy this season," he said.

Basingstoke finished fifth in the English Premier League last season - and with only 10 teams in the second tier of English ice hockey Moria understands competition is tough.

"There's some strong teams in this league so it's not going to be easy. Most people will expect us to finish in the top four but we will try to win something," he said.

Although the English Premier League is highly competitive, the sport still struggles to attract the big crowds.

Bison's biggest attendance so far this season was just 1,100 for the local derby against Guildford Flames.

"Crowds are down," admits Moria. "Ice hockey is a minority sport in this country and for whatever reason people are disillusioned with the sport.

"But Bison are always looking for ways to get new people to the rink and it's starting to work. Ice hockey is a family sport so we get just as many children as we do women and men."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version