Smith happy to be part of new look Dynamos

GILLINGHAM, UK – It will be a new look Invicta Dynamos team that takes to the ice at the start of the 2010/11 season.

The reigning league champions have seen an exodus of players this summer as a wind of change sweeps through the Ice Bowl. Head Coach Kevin Parrish has added some fresh faces to his squad by signing goalie Mark Hartley from Nottingham, Adam Copland from Chelmsford, Callum Fowler from Peterborough and young prospect Liam Chong who spent last season in Lake Placid, USA. The recruitment strategy of the Dynamos seems straightforward, with youth and speed a constant.
The first signing announced by the Dynamos for the coming season was interestingly none of these new arrivals, but a member of last year’s squad. Twenty one year old defenseman Tim Smith had arguably his best season yet in Dynamos colours during the 2009/10 campaign and received plaudits not only from his Coach, but also fans across the league. It will not surprise many that his signature was sought from other teams this summer, but Smith himself had no doubts where he wanted to spend the coming season:

“I had other options this season and it’s always nice as I’ve never really had much interest in the past” said Smith. “I was keen to stay at Invicta as I feel this year with the league standard rising and also with the new ownership of the rink, the club has a real buzz around the place in excitement for the new changes both on and off ice,
“We have seen some influential players leave which Kevin has a hard job of replacing, but I’m sure the team he puts together will be solid throughout, and I have no doubts that we will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season”
The new ownership of the rink promises to improve life for both fans and players alike in Gillingham. The rink’s new management ‘Silver Blades’ have pledged to make vast improvements to the current facilities with new changing rooms, new and improved lighting, a new sound system and a big clean up all lined up. Most importantly, the rink owners have promised to work closely with the Dynamos in the future, which should avoid ice time issues that troubled the club in the play-offs last season.
With Romford Raiders and Chelmsford Chieftains announcing strong rosters, the Dynamos will have to be at their best to take an eighth consecutive league title. This will be the fourth campaign Smith will ice for the Dynamos since he joined them from Peterborough Islanders in 2007. With increased local rivalry this season, Smith believes that the league will be worth watching this year:
“I can’t wait for the Kent/Essex rivalries next year” said Smith. “I love the passion the fans have for hockey in the south which makes it so much better for players to play in. Especially if you look at the strength of the rosters that have been announced so far this year, it’s hard to pick a winner at this point and every game will be tough this season,
“With the likes of Bristol and Wightlink looking strong there’s going to be competition for every single spot in the league. I just hope fans who only watch English Premier League hockey take notice of the competition and some of the players playing ENL this season,
“It would be great if they could come down and just enjoy a game of hockey as there are some fantastic players on show and many players who are definitely one’s to watch for the future”

With British defenseman in short supply, Smith could be classed himself as a player to watch, and he has every chance of progressing in the domestic game. Although praised for his strength and his willingness to stand up for his team mates in his first couple of season’s at Invicta, Smith’s only cited weakness was a slight lack of mobility. This was an area the 6ft 1inch left hander addressed last summer and he subsequently reaped the benefits:
“Last summer Kevin (Parrish) gave me a call and told me that basically if I wanted to be a bigger part of the team then I had to get myself in better shape” admits Smith. “So I started eating healthier and drinking less and worked hard playing tennis, going to the gym and having a good kick about with the lads,
“It all just really helped me drop a bit of weight and find myself in better shape and stood me in good stead for the season. I found I had more confidence in myself and gave me the belief that I could contribute more on game day, plus it really helped me physically as felt stronger and fitter, both on and off the puck”
Smith posted three goals and twenty five assists in thirty three games during the regular season in 2009/10 and played a key role on the special teams. It is fair to say that he took a less conventional route through hockey to get to this stage. He started playing the game on the streets using a plastic mini golf club as a stick and two bricks as goalposts, along with his buddy Alex Mettam, who now stands between two proper goal posts for Milton Keynes Lightning in the English Premier League.
Under the guidance of Coach Ross Burbeary, Smith came into the game late as a kid and joined Sheffield juniors at under 16 level. A short spell in Canada was followed by a stint with Peterborough Islanders, where he was spotted by Invicta Coach Parrish. With three seasons under his belt in Kent, Smith has enjoyed silverware in every season; however one memory stands out above all others:

“My favourite moment would have to have been winning the championship at Coventry in 2008/2009 especially as it was against my old team Sheffield” says a smiling Smith. “They already had our number in the recent cup final we had played. I still remember before the game the atmosphere in the room was so tense and just as we were about to step out on to the ice the nerves really kicked in as the lights went out,
  “The spotlights were going and I looked up and just saw Elliott Andrews dancing and just looking as cool as a cucumber with all his experience (not age) that he has gained throughout his years. From that moment I knew we were going to win the game and if I am honest, this made for one hell of a bus ride home”
It’s pretty clear that Smith has enjoyed his time in Kent under the stewardship of Kevin Parrish, and it is also clear that he is serious about his hockey. He is ambitious and keen to learn, so what of his future?
“I would love to play EPL one day just to try and test myself at a higher standard and it would be fantastic if I could put a Mo’s shirt on in the EPL, but for now I am relishing the challenge that lies ahead of us for 2010/2011” said Smith. “I am really looking forward to the new season and hope I can continue improving and one day play at the highest level I can achieve”
Invicta D ynamos signings so far 2010/11 : Karl Lennon (F), Anthony Lennon (D), Tim Smith (D), Mark Hartley (N/M), Callum Fowler (F), Liam Chong (F), Adam Copland (D).
 
Contact the author: david.carr@prohockeynews.com