MARK Bernard has signed on to guide the Basingstoke Bison for another season in the Elite League as their head coach and general manager.

The Canadian feels his job at the Herd is not complete and he is looking to build on this season and move his side further up the league standings.

It has been a roller-coaster year for the 37-year-old, who was forced to step out of retirement and pull back on the netminding pads in mid-season.

His faith in his team was justified as the Bison finished the league campaign with five wins in their final eight games and were still in with a shout until the final play-offs weekend.

Bernard said: "It was not a hard decision to return as this is a good organisation to work for.

"I am proud of what has been achieved here so far, but there is still some work to be done and I am looking forward to the challenge.

"My wife likes the area and my son goes to school here, so I am happy to remain part of the Basingstoke community which has treated us so well.

"To be honest, once I gave up the Arena manager's job last season, life became so much easier, and I feel we really had a good last part of the year. That is what made it very disappointing, the way the season ended with the big defeat against Nottingham. I finished the season proud of all the players and fans who have supported us to the end."

Planet Ice group general manager Mark Johnson said: "We feel Mark has done a fantastic job, and it was not a hard decision to ask him back for another year. He has done a great job, both on and off the ice, for the team, to make it a very professional outfit which people and players want to be involved in.

"Last season it was very hard to recruit players, due to the National Hockey League returning to action but, this summer, I think that should be easier and Mark will put a good product on ice for the fans in the autumn."

With the Herd's foreign legion flying out of the country at the end of the week, Bernard will be talking to a few before they leave, as he looks to put together the nucleus of a team for next season."

The Bison boss has not ruled out remaining as a player. He said: "If I put on my GM hat and it's better for the team for me to stay in net, as the money could be spent elsewhere, then I will do that."

First published: Thursday, April 6, 2006