THE BASINGSTOKE Bison face a race against time to get a work permit for their new import defenceman Dwight Parrish.

The 30-year-old American will take the place of fellow defenceman Benoit Cotnoir (pictured), who was released earlier this week.

If the paperwork arrives in time, Parrish will make his debut against one of his former clubs, the Cardiff Devils.

He was in Wales for a season with Bison player/coach Steve Moria, so the Wella-backed side's boss knows exactly what he is getting.

Moria said: "He is a very good defenceman and was rated as one of the top two by the Manchester coach in their team this season."

Parrish has spent the last 15 months with the Manchester Storm, having moved there from Cardiff, but this week, the cash-strapped club finally threw in the towel and withdrew from the Superleague.

To add extra spice to the contest tomorrow, Parrish would face two of his former Manchester team mates, Ivan Matulik and Stevie Lyle.

On the departure of Cotnoir, Moria said: "We needed to make a change and it was a hard decision. Benoit is a very dedicated player and I wish him well and hope he finds another club."

This weekend, the Bison face teams they have played in the last fortnight.

Tomorrow (face-off 6.30pm), Cardiff are the visitors and the Herd will be looking to repeat their 3-2 win in Wales.

With three straight defeats since the arrival of Matulik and Lyle, the pressure is on the Welsh club.

Coach Glenn Mulvenna has promised to change his tactics for his game, so ending their dump-and-chase style of hockey.

Moria said: "Whatever they do, we will look to play a smart game against them and collect the two points on home ice."

On Sunday, the Bison travel north to face the Edinburgh Capitals looking for revenge against the Scottish outfit which won 4-2 in Basingstoke on Saturday.

Previous revenge missions to Hull, and at home to Fife, have seen wins, so Moria is hopeful of the same again.

He said: "It is a long bus trip but other teams do it and come away with the points. We have to stay focused for the whole 60 minutes if we are going to win."