Netminder coach and former Peterborough Islanders shot stopper Steve Nightingale will deputise for Chris Douglas throughout 2014/15 after the 31 year old goalie today completed his move to the Invicta Dynamos ahead of the new season.
Steve Nightingale played his junior hockey in Peterborough and eventually went on to appear for the Islanders in the ENIHL’s top tier between 2002 and 2004. He would return to the Cambridgeshire outfit again for 2006/07 whilst more recently he has dressed for the Medway Madness, Westminster Statesmen and London Rangers recreational sides. Whilst icing for the 25 year old Rangers, Nightingale faced opponents with NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division 1 experience, as well as former professional skaters from France, Norway and the UK. Meanwhile the shot stopper has been passing his knowledge on to others by working as a coach during the summer at the Nathan Craze goaltending camps and in 2014/15, as well as facing the NIHL’s best first hand, he will help train the Invicta Dynamos goalies of the future by aiding the junior setup.
Speaking on the signing of Steve Nightingale, Head Coach Kevin Parrish said that he had seen first-hand what his new number 35 could bring to the ice and was confident he was up the challenge of NIHL South Division 1 hockey. Parrish said, “Steve has been training with us on and off for a couple of seasons now but last year he really caught my eye. His game has come on leaps and bounds over the past 12 months and I believe he is more than capable of playing in this league. In addition Steve has committed to helping out the goalies that play for the juniors and I’ve no doubt his influence will help bring out the best in each of them whilst maximising their potential”.
Meanwhile Steve Nightingale revealed that he was delighted to be joining the Dynamos when he said, “I’m really excited to be given this opportunity in Gillingham. I have had an honest and up front discussion with the coach and I understand my role for the year. I’m hoping to get my head down in training and gain the confidence of the players and coach so that I’m ready to step in as and when needed”.
The arrival of Steve Nightingale takes the Dynamos roster to 16 with the new season now set to get underway in 10 days time.
