Misc Hockey News

Invicta Dynamos’ match against Slough Jets at Planet Ice, Gillingham abandoned after ice resurfacer breaks down

Brandon Chard and Matty Bell defend a Slough attack before the game at Planet Ice was abandoned Picture: David Trevallion

Invicta Dynamos coach Karl Lennon was devastated to see Saturday’s game abandoned against the Slough Jets because of malfunctioning ice machinery.

The club issued a statement apologising to fans after the Mos’ game against the Jets was abandoned following the second of three periods when an ice resurfacer got stuck in the middle of the rink.

Slough were leading 4-2 at the time but Invicta’s management were as frustrated as the opposition, feeling there was every chance to get back into the NIHL South Division 1 match.

Lennon said: “We came in during the break thinking we could get back on track, because we had done it the week before, and then the Zamboni (resurfacer) broke down!

“It was a bit of a disaster. I don’t know what the result of that will be, we will be at the mercy of the EIHA (Ice Hockey Association) to see if the result will be awarded to them or if it will be replayed.”

An Invicta statement said: “Kevin, Sarah (Parrish, club owners) and Karl and the entire team would like to offer out sincerest apologies to everyone attending the game as well as Lukas Smital (head coach) and the Slough team.

Brandon Chard and Matty Bell defend a Slough attack before the game at Planet Ice was abandoned Picture: David Trevallion

“We are beyond disappointed, hugely frustrated and so very sorry to each and everyone of you that were there. While the situation was completely outside of our control, as a club this is not a position we ever want to find ourselves in and it is certainly not a reflection of how much we value our very loyal and very important supporters.

“We would like to thank everyone for their understanding in what was a very challenging situation. We will be doing all we can in the coming days to liaise with the EIHA and Planet Ice [the company that run the venue] to reach a conclusion on the way forwards.

“The team were gutted they weren’t able to take to the ice for the final period in a game that was all to play for. We are so very sorry and we hope to see you all back at the rink next weekend when we face Chelmsford at home.”

Ruskin Springer-Hughes battles for the puck for Invicta Dynamos against Slough Jets Picture: David Trevallion
Ruskin Springer-Hughes battles for the puck for Invicta Dynamos against Slough Jets Picture: David Trevallion

The visiting side were sympathetic on social media following the abandonment and Lennon said: “It was a situation out of our control completely, we were devastated for the fans who had come to the building, they were expecting that third-period rally from us that they had seen the week…

Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at "ice hockey" – Google News…