The Bristol Honda Pitbulls are delighted to announce their first roster member for 2022-23 in the shape of Adam Harding, who signs a two-year deal as a player/assistant coach in BS10. 

Cardiff born Harding, 29, joins the Pitbulls from the Basingstoke Bison, where he has played since the 2018-19 season. He represented them 123 times across two and a half seasons, scoring 56 goals and adding 106 assists. Harding spent his early career in the Elite League, playing three seasons for his hometown Cardiff Devils, as well as spells at Manchester Storm and Dundee Stars.  

Harding was made an alternate captain with the Bison pre-covid and will look to bring that leadership to the Pitbulls in his first coaching role, assisting recently re-signed head coach Jamie Elson. Adam has also represented Great Britain at both U18s and U20s in his career. 

On why he chose to sign in Bristol, Adam Harding said, “There were so many attractions, firstly, Jamie and I have a good relationship so to be working alongside him was an easy sell to me. Secondly, to be given the opportunity as a player/coach was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down, as you get older you think about life after your playing career and coaching was always something I have thought about.” 

Adam also noted how the reputation for a great atmosphere and a big crowd helped his decision. He said “There is also a massive buzz around Bristol after their first season in the new rink. It was something everybody noticed, it was talked about nationwide at how good the fans were and the atmosphere they created. Speaking to some of the players who were here last season, they had nothing but great things to say about the organisation and the fans” 

Adam describes himself as “An experienced forward that plays in both ends of the ice. A pass first player whilst not being afraid to put the puck in the net.” 

Jamie Elson is delighted to kick off his 22-23 roster with the signing of an experienced forward in the shape of Harding. He said, “We are thrilled to be bringing Adam to Bristol and adding him to both the playing and coaching staff. Stepping up a level to the National League is going to be a big step and with that it was vital that we add experience to the line-up and Adam has that in buckets. He had a strong junior career as well as having played for Great Britain as a junior. His professional career he has played in Elite League for Cardiff, Manchester and Dundee.  

“In the National league last season, he had a career high point return which shows he is playing at his peak right now. He will be a huge asset both on and off the ice. I’ve known Adam for a long time, and I know what type of guy he is off-ice. He’s a great teammate and always popular in the locker room. That’s exactly the type of guys we want around the club, and I can’t wait for him to get started as a Pitbull!” 

If you’d like to know a bit more about Adam, he has a YouTube channel alongside his partner, you can visit their channel HERE

If you wish to sponsor Adam for the season or wish to own and loan his jerseys, please contact us at bristolpitbulls@hotmail.co.uk