BASINGSTOKE Buffalo defenceman Freddie Stephens has joined the Milton Keynes Thunder this season, as the Herd sit out the campaign.

The 18-year-old is an excellent young player and last term was his second for the Buffalo line-up, where he picked up four points from 18 games.

He was voted the team’s best D man at their end of season awards, after a number of great performances for the Buffs.

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He was also captain of the Basingstoke under-18 Bison last year and was a double award winner at their end of the season do, being voted Best Defence and Player’s Player.

It is a move up a level from last term for the teenager and he joins a team which also includes Buffalo forward from last season Xander Robinson.

The Thunder’s opening home league game is on Sunday, September 1 when they take on the Oxford City Stars.