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JAN BENDIK and Vanya Antonov, two popular figures within the Bracknell Bees camp, have decided to take on new challenges elsewhere.
Forward Antonov has accepted an offer to join reigning English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL) champions Basingstoke Bison, while defenceman Bendik is moving to Germany and EV Landshut.
Antonov’s departure was announced just hours after it was confirmed the committee looking to keep Bees in existence had been granted the club’s operating licence from owner John Nike last Thursday.
The 19-year-old Russian-born Great Britain Under-18 and U20 international worked his way through the ranks, turning out for the Stingers and Drones before promotion to the senior side during the 2013/14 campaign.
Vanya, who also skated for Bracknell Hornets, leaves the Hive after 106 appearances for Bees, where he racked up a combined 109 goals and assists.
Of these, 24 goals came last season, where the youngster was one of the leading lights during a campaign which saw the club finish bottom of the EPIHL standings.
Many will be saddened to see the player go, given his future potential, but because of the club’s uncertain state, this opportunity was an Antonov felt he could not turn down.
And finally, we welcome Vanya Antonov to the Bison for the upcoming title defence! What a team we have! pic.twitter.com/iMLBukGSb0
— Basingstoke Bison (@BisonHockey) June 2, 2016
It was then revealed on Monday import Bendik is off to continue his career in mainland Europe.
The 31-year-old has remained with Bracknell ever since making the switch from HC Hradec Kralove in his native Czech Republic in 2012.
Although a D-man by trade, Bendik was good for a goal too, with his blueline drives becoming something of a trademark at the club.
He would net exactly 30 times during 199 appearances and would twice help Bees to the end-of-season play-offs in 2013 and 2014.
“Everyone at the Bracknell Bees wishes to thank Jan for his four seasons in the black, white and gold in which his hard work and dedication had made him a firm favourite in the dressing room and with the fans,” said a statement on the Save The Bees Facebook page.
“We also wish him the very best for the future and hope to maybe see him back in Bracknell icing for the Bees at some point.”
Club officials also went on to say the door will always remain open for Antonov to return in the future, should he so wish.
Bees officials are to meet with the league on Wednesday, where they will be looking to rubber-stamp their admission to the 2016/17 competition.
It is then hope the first signing of the summer will be unveiled later in the week
