TWO more key players will be returning to the Bracknell Bees next season.

Reading-born defenceman Harvey Stead has confirmed he will be back at The Hive for the start of the NIHL Division One South campaign.

And 6ft 6ins teenage defenceman Josh Tetlow has also agreed a two-way contract with the Bees and Elite League side, Nottingham Panthers.

Stead, 21, progressed through Bees' youth set up and, after a brief spell with Swindon Wildcats, he returned to Bracknell last season, picking up two goals and 14 assists.

The former GB Under 20 international previously skippered Bracknell U18s to the championship title and has clocked up more than 200 EPIHL appearances.

Bees head coach, Scott Spearing, beamed: “After a lot of interest from other coaches around the league I’m glad that I have been able to retain Harvey for next season.

“His hockey has matured and he has found his identity as a player which I have space for in the squad.  I’m looking forward to Harvey pushing himself to improve on the success he’s had in the last few seasons.“ Tetlow, who was Bracknell's Most Improved Player in 2015-16, is on board for his third season with the first team.

Bracknell News:

Josh Tetlow, left, has signed a two-way deal with Bracknell Bees and Nottingham Panthers.

Another produce of the Bees' youth set-up, Tetlow, 19, was recently snapped up by Panthers head coach Corey Nielson before agreeing a two-way contract that will see him train with Nottingham but mostly ice for Bracknell.

Spearing was delighted to welcome the GB U20 star back to The Hive, saying: “I’m glad that I have been able to negotiate a two-way contract with Nottingham.

“Josh has a great work ethic and is always the first on the ice and the last off in training every night. I hope that I can work with Corey to help Josh continue to develop his game.“