GILLINGHAM, UK – After a disappointing 2011/12 season the Invicta Dynamos are quietly confident that they are ready to step up as contenders again, thanks to some shrewd summer signings and a returning favourite.
Head Coach Kevin Parrish has been a busy man so far this summer. Having just announced the return of the sublimely skilful yet slightly wayward youngster, Callum Fowler, the long-time Dynamos supremo is smiling again.
Vas is back (Tim Bowers)
Ten players have been announced so far, with three of these new faces to an organisation Parrish has moulded over his eight seasons at the helm.
“I have been a part of Invicta for many years now and Invicta has a big piece in my heart” admitted Parrish, who took over from previous Coach Phil Chard at the start of the 2004/05 season.
“I work behind the scenes for the club as well as the coaching role I have, and I wouldn’t have it any other way”
It is fair to say that Parrish has won everything there is to win at this level as a coach, with sixth consecutive league title wins and numerous personal awards to his name over the years. After a turbulent 2011/12 season there were rumours that the former Mo’s player may walk away from the post but Parrish is adamant he still has the hunger.
Parrish ready (Tim Bowers)
“What motivates me to come back is that feeling you get for this sport, preparation during the week and the game day highs” explained the Kent man.
“Seeing a building full of passionate fans with two teams on the ice doing what it takes to get two points. If that doesn’t motivate you it’s time to give it up”
After arguably the most disappointing campaign during Parrish’s reign, the Mo’s could only manage fourth place in the league whilst showing only glimpses of the form that the success rich Dynamos crowd were used to watching.
The signs that it would be a difficult year were visible early on as two of the team’s most heralded signings of the 2011 summer Robbie Brown and Richard Bentham, opted to leave for Peterborough just a few weeks into the season and then a crippling injury list put paid to any title contention.
The lack of contention for a title race dominated by local rivals Chelmsford and Romford was tough to stomach for Dynamos fans but to add to their pain, shock defeats to the likes of Streatham, Bristol and Milton Keynes made the mood at the Silverblades rink particularly gloomy.
“I have never know a season like it with injuries and guys leaving to the EPL” admitted Parrish.
Chelmsford a challenge (Grant Woolway)
“We didn’t want to keep using it as an excuse, but it was fact. I lost two of my top defensemen by October and two top forwards. I had several guys out with injuries at this point as well”
“Guys had to play different roles and ice time doubled for most guys which then creates a problem with tiredness. I am sure that the guys who finished above didn’t have to deal with that sort of season, but that still does not excuse some of our defeats towards the back end of the campaign”
“We need to tighten up in a few areas and we have to remember to turn up for every game and prepare in the right way on and off the ice, off the ice especially. Then we can get back to competing at the top”
If there was one way to lift the club it was to bring back a former hero, and Parrish has pulled off somewhat of a coup by securing the signature of fan favourite Peter Vaisanen for 2012/13.
The big Canadian had a plus 100 points haul for the club in 2009/10 season and his hard hitting style endeared him to the locals, who have seen some fantastic imports over the years with the likes of Luc Chabot, Derek Switzer, Dale Lambert and Kevin MacNaught gracing the ice in Gillingham at one point.
Dynamos celebrate (David Trevallion)
“I have always been in contact with Vas since he left the club, and he always made it clear that if he came back to the UK it would be for Invicta” explained Parrish, who initially brought Vaisanen over to the UK from the Potsdam Bears.
“Vas left us three seasons ago to try his luck in the EPL with Sheffield Steeldogs, didn’t have a great time and took a shoulder injury which cut his contract short”
“He was playing in Finland last season as it was always a dream of his to play in his Mothers native country. This league has moved on from three years ago and Vas knows that, he’s been playing on bigger rinks so he’s going to be quicker and fitter, and he has the determination to show people that he will still be a top import in this league”
“He’s one of the hardest working players I’ve ever coached, wants to win every drill, and wants to be first to every puck. I hope that having that level of determination will rub off on other guys in the team. I am very excited to have him back as I enjoy working with him”
So with added toughness in the acquisition of the lively Brad Watchorn from Bracknell and more strength on the blue line thanks to the arrival of former Wightlink Raider Arran Strawson, there are many Dynamos fans wondering who else will be heading to Kent this summer.
The notable returnees announced so far include the solid blue line pairing of Tim Smith and Jack Tarczycki along with clever forwards Callum Best and Nicky Lewis.
Silverblades happy again (David Trevallion)
“There are no more major surprises to come as I want to keep the nucleus of the team together from last season” admitted Parrish, who lost defenseman Ryan Giles to Romford Raiders last week.
“We need a few tweaks here and there and we will be back competing. With Wridey (David Wride) coming in, it gives me depth in the goalie department which is something I haven’t had since we last won the league”
“Moffs (Andy Moffat) was outstanding for us last season, but played far too many minutes”
“It is always difficult recruiting players as every team will tell you the same, your hands are tied sometimes with the budget you have to work with, but you set up your ghost roster, fill some missing gaps and go on the hunt, like every year there is always a couple that get away and this year was the same”
One rumour that circulated around the Silverblades rink last season, not for the first time, was a rumour of a return to the English Premier League for the Dynamos. The addition of Chelmsford, Wightlink and Romford to the NIHL would suggest that the previous appetite for a place in the league above may not be there, but Parrish is still open minded.
Best is back (Tim Bowers)
“I would never rule that out” conceded Parrish, when asked if the club would return to a league they last competed in back in 2002.
“We have to make sure that the club is financially in the right place to take that step, the worst thing would be go for a season and then have to drop. It is a massive step to join the EPL now as the standard is so high, but never say never”
With an improved team and the on-going good relations with the Silverblades rink, the Dynamos are likely to pose a much stronger challenge for the rest of the league this term.
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
