BASINGSTOKE Buffalo play-off winning netminder Dan Weller-Evans, who announced his retirement from playing in the summer, has taken on his first coaching job, writes Graham Merry.

The popular cageman has joined the Berkshire Bees as a goalie and defence coach.

The 30-year-old is no stranger to the team having played for them in seasons 2021/22 and 2022/23 and before that had eight years, as a shot stopper for the Basingstoke Bison where he was a firm fans’ favourite.

So he brings a wealth of experience to his new role and joins a familiar face behind the Bees bench in Ashley Tait, who was head coach for the Herd for their last five years until the team pulled out the league due to the state of the Basingstoke ice rink.

Weller-Evans admitted his first game behind the bench had been a baptism of fire, as the Bees took on the title chasing Milton Keynes Lightning last Saturday.

However, 24 hours later the Berkshire side celebrated their first victory of the season with an excellent road win in Telford.

Weller Evans said: “Sunday was wicked and we deserved that win and it was great to get the first win on the board.

“All in all I loved it! It is really good to take the step into bench coaching and to do it alongside Ash (Ashley Tait) means I have got a great coach and person to learn from.”