Even a heatwave doesn’t slow down Head Coach of the TSI World Bracknell Bees, Doug Sheppard, as he completes the deal that sees the next member of his squad signed for the 20/21 season.

Exciting young defenceman Luke Jackson has committed to the Bees full time for the upcoming season following several appearances in the 19/20 NIHL National Season.

The 21 year old Reading born player started his hockey at Guildford before coming to Bracknell in the summer of 2013 playing both Under 16 and Under 18 games. He repeated this in the following season before heading to Canada and playing Midget hockey in the Ontario Hockey Academy and the following for two seasons. He also made 5 appearances for the Great Britain Under 18s in 2016/17

Throughout his junior career, Luke developed a hugely powerful shot which went on to delight Hive regulars last season when he released it in the black, white and gold of the Bees. He did however make his Bees debut in 2017/18 upon his return to the UK, scoring his first goal plus an assist in 29 games. The following season he played both Bees in NIHL1 and Hornets in NIHL2 as well as Stingers in the England Under 20 league.

Last season Luke iced for Doug Sheppard’s Bees 43 times meaning he played just 2 Hornets games. In his 43 Bees games his progress and development was clear to see as well the future impact the well honed slapshot will have! Luke put in 1+3 last season for just 8 penalty minutes. Although only 20 at the time he showed great maturity when fit available defencemen were a rare thing for the Bees and Luke was called upon to play some serious minutes.

Head Coach Doug Sheppard enthused about his latest signing; “Luke has improved as much as anyone over the past two seasons. He’s worked extremely hard to get his game where it is now. I’m looking forward to see what Luke can do playing a prominent role for the Bees next season.”

On putting pen to paper for the Bees Luke added; “I’m looking forward to the new season and excited to see what our team can do.”

Luke stands at 6’1 and weighs 201lbs. He shoots right handed.