FIVE new players, including two Canadian imports, have signed for Invicta Dynamos, the Gillingham-based ice hockey team.

One name familiar to many supporters will be North American Alex Shaw. He was a founder member of the Dynamos in the 1997/98 season in ED1 and then played the following season as Mos moved up into the English National Premier League.

Shaw, a popular defenceman who scored 37 goals and 53 assists in 88 matches, also won the Defenceman of the Year award in his debut season.

The second Canadian is Mike Allaby, a new recruit to the Mos. The 28-year-old forward played last season for Saint Johns Stars in the Southern New Brunswick Senior Hockey League where he scored 13 goals with 22 assists in just 20 games.

During his hockey career, Allaby has also played in the German Second Division where he was voted the Fastest Player in the League and was also selected for a Rookie All Star Team in the 97/98 season.

Coach Kevin Parrish said: “We are hoping that Mike will become one of our leading goal scorers and add more decisive potency up front.”

With the current league rulings, only one of the two Canadians will be allowed on the ice at any one time.

Other new faces are 19-year-old defenceman Anthony Lennon, from Guildford, and forward Andy Smith, while Stuart Low returns after a year at Romford Raiders.

Parrish said: “We met all but one of our aims last season and although we were disappointed not to win the cup, it was still a good year.

“Everyone improved 100 per cent over the season. Those who stepped up from the Mustangs learned the systems we use and employed them to great effect.

“Our defensive record, conceding an average of just 1.75 goals in the league spoke for itself. It was a great team effort, one I hope to repeat this season.”

COMPLETE ROSTER:

Netminders: Carl Ambler, Ian Rowlands

Defencemen: Peter Beerling, Peter Korff, James Lake, Anthony Lennon, Andy Martin, Alex Shaw, Damien Welch.

Forwards: Mike Allaby, Grant Baxter, Peter Carey, Gary Dodds, Matthew Drake, Dan Fudger, Paul Hume, Kevin Lake (captain), Karl Lennon, Stuart Lowe, Kevin Parrish (coach), Adam Smith, Andy Smith, Jamie Smith.