Your Invicta Imp’s travelled to Guilford’s impressive Spectrum leisure centre on Saturday 19th September for 5pm to take part in the season opening cross ice competition.

Invicta entered their new team in the tournament who are predominantly under 8’s with many playing their debut game for our club and only 2 last year U10‘s. We were hosted by Guildford and joined by Slough and Solent & Gosport to make it a 4 team tournament. All teams would play each other twice and therefore give 6 games per team.

The Imps team iced as follows:-
#33 Samuel Wyatt between the pipes
#19 Luke Fitzgerald (Captain)
#8 Dan Spiller (Assistant Captain)
#27 Mathew Laming (Assistant Captain)
#32 Samuel Oliver
#16 Joe Sullivan
#34 Owen Dell
#21 Owen Rider
#28 Owen Smith (debut)
#22 George Gell (debut)
#18 Edward Stedman (debut)
#24 Gregor McAllan (debut)

First game was against Solent & Gosport tiger sharks and what a way for the season to start. The Imps played fluid hockey and all the skaters looked busy. All knowing their positions and responsibilities which is rarity for such a young team. Samuel Oliver opened the Imps 09/10 account slotting in a fine goal for the lead. Luke swept up any trouble at the back freeing the forwards and Owen Dell took advantage of it cracking in the winner for the Imps and sealing a 2-0 win.
The next few games we played the more experienced Slough and Guildford but the Imps held their own throughout. The forwards having numerous breakaways and the defence skating hard. This more tough game saw the Imps solidifying as a unit and fighting back. Luke relieved the pressure scoring a long range goal for the Imps against Slough and one against Guildford while Owen Rider slotted home against Guildford in another game.
3rd-4th place decider was between the Imps and the well matched S&G team. The crowd were up for it and so where the teams. The first break came off the inside of one the S&G players boots. An Invicta deflected shot but it was warranted from the pressure the team had put on the opposition. Captain Luke finished any hopes S&G had by scoring his third of the day and clinching another 2-0 win for the Imps leaving a big smile on the players and supporters faces alike.

Big mention to the Imps supporters who made sure the opposition knew Invicta where in town.


Reported by : James Stedman