Invicta Dynamos vs Romford Raiders

Match Report

The 24/25 ice hockey season returned in Gillingham, last weekend, with the first leg of the Kent and Essex Cup between the Invicta Dynamos and Romford Raiders.  It was the first time these teams had met for several seasons, with the Raiders playing in the National League, so this was a chance to renew a historical rivalry from years gone by with a good away following from Essex making a good opening weekend home crowd.

Dynamos have made a few additions to the roster with the returning Louis Colvin, netminder Brad Windebank and, most notably, the return to where it all started for Aaron Connolly. All three have joined us from the National league with the latter two previously icing for our opponents this weekend. Dynamos were boosted by two players on loan from Peterborough Phantoms to add depth to the roster for the weekend.

Officials for the evening were an unusual one for Invicta fans, with the four-man system of Thrower and unknown accompanied by O’Neill and Hill running the lines.

Teams announced, anthem done and officials in place; the stage was set for the start of the new season!

Period 1 started as if we had never been away with a frantic opening few minutes that saw both teams enjoying good chances.  Laishram, Sylvester and Briggs were saved by Windebank and we also saw opportunities for Springer-Hughes, Colvin and Connolly, all of which were dealt with well by the Raiders netminder. The first penalty of the night went to the Dynamos with Oliver sitting 2 for Tripping and the resulting powerplay saw Shewfelt slot home assisted by Miller and Laishram.

Chances at both ends followed but no further scoring until Raiders got their 2nd on 9.22, when Sylvester netted from Briggs.  Their lead further extended a minute later when their impressive player coach Laishram netted, assisted by Barry. Raiders made it 4 on 12.27 when Shewfelt get his second of the night, unassisted.

Dynamos regrouped and, while Raiders were the superior, the Mos did look dangerous on the counterattack, creating chances for Thune and Krakausas and once again testing the Raiders netminder. Raiders made it 5 on 16.09 with Miller netting. Invicta kept battling and were rewarded with a goal at 18.59 from the debutant Krakauskas with a smart finish over the Raider’s keepers’ shoulder, assists going to Colvin and Stephenson. Period 1 ended 5-1 to Raiders.

Following the break, Period 2 started off slower with Raiders having the bulk of possession but stout defending from Invicta meant that the period remained scoreless until 27.27 when, ex Dynamo Ranson, finished smartly and assisted by Huggett to make it 1-6.  Within a minute Raiders made it 7 with a hat trick marker for Shewfelt, possibly one Windebank in net might want back.

Dynamos got reward for their work in the defensive zone and secured their 2^nd goal at 30.51 when Sam Oliver netted, assisted by Connolly and Thune. Invicta took a penalty at 34.32 with Lillis sitting for 2 minutes for tripping and the resulting powerplay saw Anderson net for Raiders at 36.11, assisted by Laishram and Miller for their 8th of the night. Dynamos responded, their 3rd scored at 36.52, with Springer-Hughes firing home a rebound off the keeper with an assist to Laming. The scoring for the period ended there but Raiders took a penalty on 39.50, Dewey visiting the box for high sticks, meaning Dynamos were set to start period 3 on the powerplay.

Invicta aimed to capitalise on their power play as the teams returned to the ice for the final period. However, aside from a few fleeting opportunities, they failed to challenge the Raiders, and the power play came to an end. The ensuing action was fast-paced and end-to-end, with both teams creating several chances. Raiders always looked the more dangerous but there was a very good chance for Krakauskas. A big hit from Raiders on Pywell for Dynamos had a few in the crowd baying for a penalty on Raiders but nothing given and no real appeal from Dynamos. Raiders got their 9th on 52.53 following a good move which Shewfelt again net from Miller and Anderson.  They got their 10th on 56.01 when Laishram poked home, assisted by Sylvester. On 59.10 Invicta got their reward for a good period of pressure when Evan Chard got his 1st for the club and his 1^st senior goal, assisted by Lillis and Stephenson.  The scoring ended there, and the Raiders ran out winners 10-4.

Overall, the Dynamos battled hard against the higher league Raiders team and when you consider this was also Raiders 3rd game of their pre-season having faced National League Playoff Champions Peterborough Phantoms the previous weekend there were lots to be happy about. Our new signings seemed to have settled in well already for when the league and cup action commences. We had a few key players missing, who will join the lineup this weekend, so the signs are positive for the campaign ahead.

Man of the Match for Raiders was the impressive Shewfelt and for the Dynamos, with his debut goal, Evan Chard who I’m sure had one of those days he will never forget!

Match Reporter : Jon Akers