RYAN ALDRIDGE says the days of sneaking an “easy win” in NIHL National are gone as the competitiveness of the second-tier continues to grow - a development he warmly welcomes.

The addition of a fifth import player for the 2026-27 season will only – in theory at least – lead to a more competitive competition, for some observers and go some way to levelling the playing field.

Saturday sees the Knights entertain Basingstoke Bison, a team who returned to the second-tier last season after a two-year hiatus – Leeds Knights’ owner Steve Nell playing a pivotal role in getting the team back up and running after a refurbishment of their rink forced them to sit out.

They finished bottom in 2025-26 and have been a bottom-half team in the other two seasons they have completed at this level.

But the Bison were quick out of the blocks this time around, winning their first three games, meaning Knights’ head coach Aldridge is aware of the threat they pose at Elland Road, despite taking just one point from their subsequent three outings.

“The league is so competitive now,” said Aldridge. “Every game is going to be a tough one. We've got to be on it every night.

“There are just no easy games, there's no doubt about that. There used to be a few years ago – you might sneak an easy one here and there – but not anymore.

“But that's good, it's good for the league, good for British hockey.”