BRACKNELL Bees will drop the town from their name as the Ice Hockey team confirmed their move to Slough.

This follows the closure of their home ground, known as ‘the Hive’, at the now permanently closed John Nike Leisure Centre in Bracknell.

READ MORE: John Nike Leisure Centre closes down permanently

Slough Ice Arena will be The TSI World Bees’ new fortress, meaning the team will share 'the Hangar' with Slough Jets Ice Hockey Club.

Bees Head Coach Dough Shephard said: “It was devastating news when the announcement came that the Hive was closing.

Bracknell News:

“It was a nervous time for us as an ice hockey team having no ice.

“We sat down and considered our options and have had some very upbeat discussions regarding our move to Slough.

“We’re now looking forward to working with the Slough Jets and the Slough Junior Jets and becoming a full part of the Slough Ice Hockey Community as well as proudly continuing our heritage of 33 seasons in Bracknell.”

READ MORE: Ice rink closure a 'blow' to town, says MP

The John Nike Leisure Complex closure was announced last month, meaning the Bees were left without a team as the site’s ice rink shut down.

This came despite more than 11,000 people signing a petition to save the complex.

But ultimately site managers made the decision to shut down the much-loved leisure space, meaning all staff were made redundant.

Bracknell News:

Despite the move, Bees director Stuart Robinson said the move enables the club to further grow its Schools and Community Outreach programmes in Bracknell and Wokingham, while also expanding this to Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead.

READ MORE: New Ice rink could be coming to Bracknell

He said: “We think we have an exciting future ahead, but now more than ever, we need the fantastic support of Bees fans and sponsors to keep with the club and cheer the guys on in our new home.”

Steve English, Slough Jets director of operations, added: “While, for a long time, the Jets and Bees were rivals we, like many in the hockey community, were saddened to hear the news of the Hive closing.

“We will work closely with the Bees to ensure success for both clubs at the Hangar. Given the ongoing situation with Covid-19, the opportunity for both clubs to use the Hangar ensures the ongoing success for the fantastic facility provided by Slough Borough Council and Everyone Active.”