Published: Friday, 23rd April, 2010 1:35pm

Bees re-sign star duo

by Sportsdesk

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IN A change from the last two summers things are looking brighter for the Bracknell Bees.

Having fought for existence at this point in the previous two off-seasons the Bees have just appointed a new head coach from within, Gareth Cox, and re-signed Czech stars Jaroslav Cesky and Michal Pinc.

Former head coach Claude Dumas was not appointed until the end of May last year but this time around Cox can start building his Bracknell team earlier around the big name imports.

Cesky, 32, showed his value to the side by being voted the Player of the Year in the English Premier League, a top drawer debut season.

He amassed 199 points with 53 goals and 66 assists in 53 matches.

Joining him again will be close friend Pinc, a former NHL draft selection by the San Jose Sharks, who claimed 109 points (42 goals and 67 assists) in his first season for the Bees, earning him selection to the EPIHL Second All-Star Team.

Cox said: "Both these players were exceptional last season and they naturally attracted the attention of other clubs. But I'm excited to have them back - two import forwards that I can build the team around."

Joining them back at the Hive will be forward Terry Miles who has established himself as a firm fans' favourite.

Cox added: "He is someone I admired last season due to his work ethic and leadership. He is a good defensive forward who brings as much off the ice as he does on."

The head coach has been at Bracknell for 10 years, developing some of the foremost young British talent in the EPIHL, such as Sam Oakford at Basingstoke and Dan Davies at Slough.

This season he has successfully guided the Bracknell Hornets to Play-off Championship glory in the English National League and the Bracknell Drones to the runners-up spot in the under-18s National Final.

Bees general manager Stuart Robinson commented: "We spoke with Gareth last spring to see whether he would be interested in coaching the Bees, but at that stage he had already decided to commit himself to the Hornets.

"At the start of this March though, he made it known to Katie and I that if the Bees' position were to become available he'd like to be considered.

"Gareth has had an outstanding couple of seasons with the Hornets and is committed to developing young, local talent.

"(Owner) Katie (Eleftheriou) and I were impressed with his ideas, the way in which he prepares his teams, his motivational skills and disciplined approach.

"We believe that he will bring a new dynamic to the team and give us an excellent chance of being more competitive with our local rivals."