GREAT Britain international Greg Owen, the Basingstoke Bison's top British goalscorer last season, has agreed to again pull on a Herd sweater for the coming campaign.

The 24-year-old was joint second-highest points scorer for Great Britain in the World Championships in France, as he scored once and notched up four assists, giving him a five-point haul in as many games.

He joined the Bison in November and finished the season with a number of solid performances in the play-offs, playing on a forward line with Canadian duo John Wheaton and Brad Cruikshank.

The Brit scored in the 3-2 home win over Sheffield and picked up the man-of-the-match award when Newcastle were in town.

He is another useful player for the new coach to have already on the team, and departing Bison boss Mark Bernard said: "Greg works extremely hard and is one of the most professional players I have ever had the privilege of working with.

"He brings heart and character every day and that's what we look for here in Basingstoke."

He added: "Greg is a class act on and off the ice and I know he is looking forward to taking his game to the next level."

Owen (pictured), who is based in Reading, where he attends university, said: "Basingstoke is such a great fit for me and my family at this point in our lives. It allows me to continue playing the greatest sport while also looking after my future with my university courses.

"We all look to improve on last season and I for one can't wait to get started in September."

While the Bison have managed to hold on to their top Brit, the Cardiff Devils have not been so lucky as Jonathan Phillips has signed for the Sheffield Steelers for next season.

Another former Bison on the move is Sheffield Scimitars' Canadian defenceman Brent Pope who has taken up the post of player/coach with the Romford Raiders in the English Premier League.