It’s the start of a new season for the Invicta Dynamos on Sunday night and they will be looking for a winning opener.
Kevin Parrish’s new look roster will welcome a Bracknell Bees side to Gillingham that will be fancied to win the league, but nothing is ever decided on paper.
The Dynamos have made a raft of changes to a roster that underperformed last season with a whole host of departures, but crucially a number of strong signings.
Gone are netminders Damien King and John Dibble with Adam Long the only registered custodian going into the season opener after Ryan Bainborough pulled out of a proposed move to Medway.
Decent defencemen are always at a premium in the NIHL South, but in Ondrej Zosiak, the Dynamos have possibly the best in the league.
He will be joined by Arran Strawson, Ryan Morgan and Harrison Lillis from last season, whilst Andy Munroe and Matt Foord (can also play as a forward) will add much needed experience at the back.
Parrish is also hoping to land one more experienced defenceman along with a second netminder as the Dynamos look to be tight at the back.
Going forward, the Dynamos appear to have an abundance of riches and scoring goals shouldn’t be a problem this season.
The addition of Bartlett brothers, Cameron and Grant will bring fire and fury to a Dynamos side that failed to ignite last season. Having been the object of Dynamos fans’ taunts for a number of years, the former Chelmsford Chieftains snipers could soon become crowd favourites in Medway.
Joined by Anthony Leone making the switch over the Dartford Crossing, the Dynamos have a man who will play for the badge and give his all wearing the captain’s armband.
Bringing in import Ed Piacka looked to have been a gamble by Kevin Parrish, but the Slovak star seems set to get fans out of their seats in 2018/19 with an explosive shot.
Playing alongside him seems set to be Latvian born Martin Susters. Registered as a homegrown talent, the soon to be twenty year old has a talent way beyond his teenage years and could easily become a fan favourite in Gillingham, although don’t expect too many smiles from the steel faced assassin.
If that wasn’t enough, Parrish has made some strong signings in the likes of Callum Best (not the model), Joe Allen and Brandon Miles. The trio will undoubtedly add steel to a Dynamos front line that seems set to excite.
Youth will also be given a chance once again with Jake Stedman handed a two way deal with the Invicta Mustangs, whilst fellow nineteen year old Louis Colvin looks to be the perfect foil for the Bartlett brothers having impressed in the two pre-season wins against Slough Jets two weekends ago.
Added to that, sixteen year old Owen Dell has shown he has natural talent, scoring goals for the junior ranks and will surely be given valuable ice time throughout the season.
So, a blend of youth and experience for a Dynamos side that will clearly want to push higher in the league than their eighth place last season.
The game is never played on paper, but Parrish has clearly assembled a roster that will be not only competitive, but entertaining.
Add another netminder and one more defenceman and fans could be in for a real treat over the next six months or so.
Face off against Bracknell Bees is 5:15pm on Sunday with a bumper crowd expected for the season opener.
To watch our interviews with Kevin Parrish and Matt Foord, click here: https://youtu.be/cHPbbL2NL4o