Invicta Dynamos Player-Coach Anthony Leone has added another new face to the team’s rear guard with the signing of 23 year old blue liner Henry Aiken who joins from the Guildford Phoenix.
Former Guildford junior Henry Aiken rose through the youth setup at the Surrey side before then going on to make his senior debut in the NIHL South Division 2 with the Lee Valley Lions in 2015/16. He spent two terms with the Lions at Lee Valley Ice Centre, playing 47 games tallying 15 points and amassing 78 minutes of penalties.
In 2017/18 the defenceman continued in the NIHL South’s second tier but returned to Guildford to ice for the Phoenix. Back at his junior club, Aiken featured in 27 games, claimed 6 assists and accumulated 49 penalty minutes. The Phoenix opted to retain his services last season and he was a key figure on their blue line – playing in 26 fixtures, finding the net once, adding 3 assists for 4 points and sitting 34 minutes of penalties.
In 2019/20 Henry Aiken will now bring his dedicated, physical and no nonsense style of hockey to Kent and the Invicta Dynamos as he looks to seize the opportunity of making his name in the NIHL South’s top tier. Not one to back down from a challenge, Aiken will be looking to establish himself in Gillingham when he makes his debut in September and his new coach is confident he has what it takes.
Speaking on his latest acquisition Player-Coach Anthony Leone said, “Henry is a player I remember playing against and he struck me as a real competitor – a guy who made playing the game as hard as possible for opposing forwards. He is strong, puts the team first and will do whatever it takes for the badge on the front of his jersey. He’s the type of defenceman that will make hits and throw his body in front of the puck to make a block. Henry is still young, he has a great attitude and I feel he deserves a shot at this league. I’m excited to see him progress this year and help the team succeed.”
Having completed his move Henry Aiken stated his excitement to get going in a Mos jersey saying, “I can’t wait to get the season underway! I’m buzzing to be a part of the Dynamos setup and I’m looking forward to the team showing this league what we’re about. I’ve already played with a few of the guys on the roster and so am familiar with how they play which should make it easier to settle in. I’ll be working hard and holding that blue line making sure we are as solid as we can be at the back. Let’s get this season started!”
New defenceman Henry Aiken will wear the number 11 jersey for the Dynamos in 2019/20.