BRACKNELL Bees have brought in a new import, 35-year-old Czech Robin Kovar, who is described by head coach Doug Sheppard as "the complete package," writes Dave Wright.

He added: "He’s a two-way centre who has good size and skates extremely well. He’s a proven scorer and winner at this level. No question Robin is going to be a great fit in Bracknell.”

Kovar is no stranger to ice hockey in this country, having first arrived in 2013-14 to play for Manchester Phoenix and then, after they folded, he signed for Swindon Wildcats in 2016.

The following season he spent in Kazakhstan, but returned to these shores to play for Blackburn Hawks in the NIHL One North, recording 28 points in 15 games.

On joining the Bees, the 6ft 1in Kovar said: “I’m really happy and excited to be part of the Bracknell squad and I will do my best to help the team to have a successful season.”

Sheppard has also signed a "very good all round player" in 20-year-old Louis Colvin, who learned his hockey at Guildford before spending two seasons in Canada at the Ontario Hockey Academy.

Upon his return to the UK, he joined Invicta Dynamos and his promising performances were noted by Sheppard, who is pleased to bring him to The Hive.

The coach said: “He’s hungry to play at the highest possible level. Louis has a great attitude and will fit in nicely in Bracknell.”

Sheppard has also acquired the services of 17-year-old defenceman George Hoang from Invicta. He, too, came up through Guildford's junior ranks and played for Great Britain Under 16s.

"George is a talented young man. He has a great opportunity to come to Bracknell and develop his game," said the coach. "I think George has a good chance to play for GB U20s next year.”

Bees have confirmed Stuart Mogg, Josh Smith and Josh Martin will also be staying for the Bees, having all had played consistently well last season.

The league fixtures will start on Saturday, September 7.