THERE will be no ice hockey in Basingstoke next season as the ice rink is set to close for its long awaited refurbishment.

The new lease is to be reassigned in the coming weeks to Nice Leisure. They then have three months to start the work on the ice rink.

The time line for this was set out in council documents released for the Resident Services Committee meeting which is being held on Wednesday, July 17.

It states the council has proposed that the first phase of the works (major demolition and structural works on the ice pad and stands) will start within three months of the reassigning of the lease and be completed within 12 months.

READ MORE: Basingstoke council motion to take steps to revive ice rink

Buffalo in action at Basingstoke ice rink (Image: Graham Merry) Phase 2 works will commence within three months of phase one being completed and would cover the remainder of the repair works including non-structural and redecoration.

Therefore with the new ice hockey season set to start in two months and run until May 2025, there is no possibility for any games to be played during the 2024/25 season.

At a well attended Extra General Meeting of the Basingstoke Junior Club held at the Ice Rink on Monday, July 11, it was announced all six teams from the under-10 Bison right up to the Buffalo will have no option but withdraw for the 2024/25 season.

The intention is strongly felt by all the teams that they will return for the 2025/26 campaign unless it is taken out of their hands. The joint head coaches of the Buffalo Hallam Wilson and Paul Petts have already pledged their commitment to be back for that campaign.

SEE MORE: Letter: 'The ice rink is an embarrassment to Basingstoke'

The Junior Club will now assist any players who want to find another team for this coming season.

There is no other option as there will be no temporary ice rink in the town during the refurbishment. 

This was due to the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council not being able to find a suitable site plus the cost.

Basingstoke Junior Bison Chair Stewart Tempest said: “We have waited a long time for the rink to be repaired. There will be a short term upheaval and we look forward to continuing the 35 years of ice hockey in Basingstoke.”