SLOUGH Jets will share 'the Hangar' with the Bracknell Bees following the closure of the latter's home ground last month.

The rivals will share Slough Ice Arena meaning the Bracknell team will now be known as the 'Bees'.

'The Hive’ became no more after Bracknell's John Nike Leisure Centre closed down permanently following financial struggles caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

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Steve English, Slough Jets director of operations, said: “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.”

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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.

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

“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.”

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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.

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.”