BASINGSTOKE Bison coach Charlie Colon has been promoted to become the first-ever director of hockey operations for Planet Ice and Basingstoke arena manager.

As director of hockey operations, Colon will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the three clubs under Planet Ice - the Bison, Isle of Wight Raiders and Birmingham Rockets.

As Basingstoke arena manager, he will be looking forward to the summer developments at the town's ice rink which will give it a new look ready for the Wella-backed side to stampede back onto the ice in the British National League in the autumn.

However, the first job for Colon - who has been in charge of the Basingstoke side for the past two years - will be to hire his replacement as coach. His assistant, and Bison captain, Mike Ellis is likely to be among the candidates.

Colon told The Gazette: "I am sure there will be a lot of interest in the job."

With the Bison being one of the top BNL sides, the vacancy will no doubt attract a lot of interest from candidates in Britain as well as North America.

Talking about his new role, Colon said: "I knew they had been talking about having a director of hockey but it came as a surprise when I was offered the job."

He added: "It shows Planet Ice's commitment to ice hockey at every level in the organisation and I am looking forward to the new challenge."

Colon's other new role, as arena manager at Basingstoke, is set to be just as exciting, with the facility being spruced up and given a new look for the coming season.

He said: "The plans look good and the work is set to start later this month.

"We will still be open for business during that time and I am sure everyone will be amazed at the new look once it is finished."

Planet Ice group general manager Mark Johnson said: "Over the past two seasons, Charlie has provided a professional approach and built a solid foundation with the company.

"His promotion at Planet Ice will enable the company to go from strength to strength and further enhance its commitment to ice hockey."