THE Basingstoke Bison have unveiled Canadian Mark Bernard as the Herd's new general manager and head coach.

Bernard, who is due to fly into the country in July, was head coach and director of hockey operations for the Rockford IceHogs in the United Hockey League last season.

Before that, the former Bracknell Bees netminder spent the previous two campaigns as an assistant coach in the East Coast Hockey League with Toledo and Roanoke.

The 35-year-old also served as player/assistant coach during the 2000/01 season with Toledo and the fellow ECHL Hampton Roads Admirals in the season of 1995/96.

This makes him the ideal person to take over the Wella-backed side - ending Steve Moria's two-year reign.

Mark Johnson, group general manager of Planet Ice, said: "All the candidates were of a very high standard, which made it difficult to choose just one.

"Mark has a very impressive CV and comes highly recommended. From the conversations we have had, he is keen to come to Basingstoke and has many fresh ideas which can only benefit the club.

"His wide experience of the North American game is another big positive because, when it comes to recruiting players, he knows what he is getting."

Bernard, who will be on a two-year contract, said: "My family and I are thrilled to have this opportunity and look forward to becoming part of the Basingstoke community. I always enjoyed the matches in Basingstoke and have felt that they have some of the best supporters in the country.

"I look forward to this challenge knowing the quality of hockey at the Elite League level. As a player, and now as a coach, I know my work ethic is second to none and this is what I will look to instil into every new member of the Bison team."

Bernard's playing career as a netminder spanned 12 seasons and took in four leagues. Four years of his playing career were spent in Britain in the Superleague with Bracknell and Manchester.

Basingstoke fans, in their Superleague days, may remember him best for the four assists he collected in a game in January 1997, while playing for the Bracknell Bees in Basingstoke.

The feat is a professional hockey record and has earned Bernard a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

There is a double bill of ice hockey at the Planet Ice Silver Dome Arena this weekend as both Basingstoke's recreational teams take on New York's Blue Line Hockey.

Tomorrow the Cougars take on the American team. Entry is free with all donations going to the NY 9/11 fund and Naomi House.

On Sunday, the Hyenas take on the touring team. Again entry is free with donations going to the Basingstoke Ice Hockey Development Club.

During the first break in Sunday's game, there will be an under-10 Bison squad game. Both matches start at 5pm.