Head Coach of the TSI World Bracknell Bees Doug Sheppard this morning announces that he’s re-signed ever popular fans favourite James Galazzi for the 20/21 season.

The new contract will see James ice in black, white and gold for an eleventh consecutive season, this one now becoming his testimonial season. A sad consequence of the current situation is that James had to postpone his testimonial match so the club will be working with James to get this rescheduled.

Born in 1983 in Oakville, Canada, James first began his Bees journey in 2006/07 with 5 two way appearances for the Bees while registered to the Bracknell Hornets. Continually posting good numbers in 2007/08, 08/09 and 09/10 for the Hornets, James was finally rewarded with a Bees contract and returned 35 points from his first season.

James proved his worth both offensively and defensively while becoming a well known physical presence among opponents and after 5 years he was made alternate captain and has worn the “A” on his shirt ever since.

When Doug Sheppard took over at the Hive in the summer of 2018 James was a name that Doug wanted to retain and he again wore the “A” under the new coach.

Last season was originally James’ testimonial season but got off to a horrendous start when an injury sustained in pre-season saw James sit out the opening weeks of the season. Following his recovery he returned and so to did his gritty style, battling for every puck and making opponents work had to get around him. In a season cut short by injury James put up 8+6 in 19/20.

Head Coach Doug Sheppard spoke of James’ return; “Gazza brings so much to the Bracknell Bees on and off the ice. He’s a heart and soul guy with a great attitude, there isn’t anything he wouldn’t do to help the team win. He will provide experience and leadership for us next season.”

On returning to the Bees James said; “I’m really happy to be back again at the Hive. Unfortunately, with what’s going on in the world right now it meant our season was cut short. In 2020, I felt we really turned a corner and we were starting to heat up. I can’t wait for the new season to carry on where we left off.”

James stands at 6’0 and weighs 212lbs. He shoots left handed.

Full details on James’ rescheduled testimonial game will be announced in due course.