In the last few weeks our roster size has been less than we would hope and we understand supporters voicing concerns and seeking explanations for our current situation. As a club we greatly value the backing of our fans and understand their desire both for us to ice our strongest possible team and to be kept up to date with ongoings inside the organisation. Additionally there are occasions where we need to balance this with the players’ right to privacy when off ice incident arise throughout the season. However, in a bid to be more transparent with our supporters we wish to issue the following update:
Firstly, like many, we as a group suffered an unfortunate spell of absences around the New Year related to Covid, injuries and suspension. Fortunately, this period passed but did initially leave us without several players for a period of time.
Matt Foord, Joshua Condren and Luke Thirkettle are no longer a part of the roster. After starting the season, Foord was later unable to commit to the club due to personal circumstances. The door was left open for a possible return to action later in the season however unfortunately this has not proven possible. Condren was signed on a temporary basis but has not been suited to a full time return to hockey. Thirkettle has made the personal decision to step away from Dynamos hockey for the remainder of 2021/22. We thank all three players for their efforts in a Mos jersey and wish them well for the future on and off the ice.
In addition to the already mentioned players there have been further absences as follows:
Billy Woods has recently been unavailable due to personal circumstances.
Taylor Chard splits his time with the under 18s and the Invicta Dynamos. He has been unavailable for the senior side whilst playing junior hockey which continues to be an important part of his development.
Tommy Ralph was a late addition to the roster and joined on the basis that he would ice when other non-hockey commitments allow him to do so. This remains the case between now and the end of the season.
Ashley Jackson returned to the Dynamos to play for the team when his other field hockey commitments allow him to do so. In the New Year he had additional fixtures added to his schedule that limited his availability. He remains an important part of our team.
Billy Phillips was another late addition to the roster and has been absent on a pre-arranged event but is now anticipated to return this weekend.
Mason Webster is currently suspended for six games after video review by the EIHA of our home game against Streatham IHC on 20th February. He will be in line to return to action in April.
This has been a challenging season both on and off the ice with frequent challenges and we remain very grateful for your continued support during a frustrating period. In recent weeks the remaining players have put in determined performances that on another day would have earned them points but the spirit remains within the side to finish the campaign as strongly as possible and the team are working towards a more successful period in March ahead of the playoffs in April.