Annetts Returns Between the Pipes
The Bracknell Hornets are pleased to announce the re-signing of experienced netminder, Tom Annetts, who returns to the Hive on a 1 year deal.
The 32 year old Reading native made his first appearance for the Bracknell Hornets back in the 02/03 season, whilst still icing for the Bracknell Stingers in the England U16 league.
Annetts moved away from Bracknell in 2004 for the next four seasons, where he iced for the Guildford Flames, Guildford Phoenix and the Slough Jets. During this time he won both the EPL league championship and the playoffs.
He once again returned to Bracknell in the summer of 2008 and led the league with a .922 SV%. A move the following summer saw him pick up the starter spot in Basingstoke, but Annetts returned to the Hive once more for the 11/12 season. Annetts iced for a total of 129 appearances for the Bees across seven seasons.
A move to Oxford to join the City Stars in December 2015 marked the first of what will now become a sixth season of NIHL hockey – Two seasons with the Stars, two with MK Thunder, and now two with the Hornets.
Tom Annetts: “I am excited to be back with the Hornets after last year; we had a rough time with injuries and not having a full team each week. Towards the end of the year we were starting to show signs of really gelling to make a strong push at the playoffs, obviously this was cut short and I feel like there is some unfinished business.
"I have been speaking with Mark and Matt and I am looking forward to get back in the room and seeing all the boys again and seeing what we can achieve!”
Head Coach Mark Saunders: “Getting Tommy back for next season was a top priority, his level of play in the second half of the season really heated up and I have no doubt he would have back stopped us to a good playoff run. The experience he brings is second to none, he has a great compete level in practice and in games which really drives the rest of the team on and I’m looking forward to seeing him do the same in the upcoming season once we get going.
“He has also taken the younger goalies under his wing too with helping them out in practices and games which is further helping the development drive which the Hornets is all about. They are learning a lot from him which is driving them to be better too.
“I’m delighted Tommy is back.”