GILLINGHAM, UK – When Invicta Dynamos blueliner Arran Strawson picked up the puck in the corner, skated across the circle and pinged it into the far corner of the net last Sunday, it marked a special milestone for the affable Yorkshireman.
Straws hits a landmark (David Trevallion)
Two hundred points is a landmark some forwards get nowhere near, however for a defenseman it is even harder. Strawson joined the Kent club in 2012 and has been a key player for Coach Kev Parrish almost ever since.
‘I suppose I am a frustrated forward to be fair’ admits the 29 year old, who has played up front at times during his career.
‘I always like getting up into the play and it’s always great to contribute and help us score as well as defend at the back.’
‘I didn’t know anything about the 200 point landmark to be honest until something popped up on Twitter saying I was one point away.’
The Medway Riviera is a long way from the steel city of Sheffield from which Strawson hails but he is one of a number of Northern players who have made themselves at home in the National Ice Hockey League South.
‘I come back each year due to popular demand’ he laughs. ‘But seriously I love playing for the club. From the dressing room to the fans it’s just a great place to play.’
‘I couldn’t really choose which I prefer overall so let’s just say I love both Kent and Sheffield.’
Despite Strawsons goal, the second placed Mo’s had a disappointing weekend losing both games. It has been suggested that the gap between themselves and the seemingly unstoppable leaders Chelmsford Chieftains is now too much to make up by any of the chasing pack.
‘We now need to hope Chelmsford drop a few points and we get a consistent run of wins together’ admits the player, who has also iced for his native Sheffield Steeldogs, Wightlink Raiders and Sutton Sting over the years.
‘I just try to make the most of every year playing hockey as you never know when it will be gone so that keeps me going.’
Aside from Strawsons landmark goal, another talking point was the appearance of a Robin Red Breast bird flying overhead during the game. As a former employee of the rink and a talented Zamboni driver Strawson is unable to shed any light on where it appeared from.
‘Perhaps it just wanted a piece of the action or drama’ he explains with a wry smile.
Invicta Dynamos host London Raiders this Sunday at Silverblades ice rink in Gillingham. Face Off at 17:15.
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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