Player-Coach Anthony Leone has bolstered his defence by securing the arrival of 28 year old blue liner Dale Buckland who moves south for 2019/20 having so far spent the majority of his career in the NIHL North.

Coventry born Dale Buckland has so far played his senior hockey for the Solihull Barons and Coventry Blaze as well as briefly featuring for the Manchester Phoenix in the EPL. The defenceman made his senior debut with the Barons of the ENL (now NIHL) in 2008/09 and stayed with the club until partway through 2012/13.

During that time he featured 113 times for the West Midlands outfit, scoring 10 goals, claiming 15 assists and so tallying 25 points from the blue line. He also amassed 149 minutes of penalties.

In late 2012 Buckland switched to his hometown club the Coventry Blaze, also of the NIHL, and he would remain with the side until the end of 2016/17. He clocked up 96 league appearances during which he found twine 5 times, teed up a further 29 goals, reached a total of 34 points and took 286 minutes of penalties. His performances also saw him step up and provide cover for the Manchester Phoenix in 2015/16 as he dressed for EPL side 3 times.

Dale Buckland opted to take a break from the game in 2017 but, having not played competitive hockey for the last two seasons, he now returns to the sport hungry to make an impact further south in the country. The physical defenceman arrives in Kent with a reputation for playing no nonsense hockey, bringing leadership to the dressing room and being willing to drop the gloves against all comers when required.

After securing his return to hockey with the Mos, Dale Buckland said, “I recently moved down south, and after some time out of the game, I really wanted to return to the sport for 2019/20. Having met and spoken with Player-Coach Anthony Leone, and listened to the direction the organisation is heading in, I then jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it.”

When asked what he hoped to bring to the side and what he wanted to achieve in the upcoming campaign Buckland added, “I’m a feisty, hardworking player that makes good decisions and can play in all situations. This year I want us to be as competitive as possible and win a trophy and I believe the team Anthony Leone is building will be capable of doing that. I’m looking forward to getting started!”

Talking after confirming his latest new addition, Anthony Leone said, “Dale has had a couple of seasons away from competitive hockey but he hasn’t lost his edge and he’s excited to get back playing again. He recently moved down south, has been skating with us over the summer and he’s ready to compete for the Dynamos.”

“Dale brings with him plenty of experience in the NIHL North and has often played with a letter on his jersey so he will also contribute in the dressing room.”

“He plays a smart defensive game, has a good first pass and will add valuable experience to our defence. He’ll be a gritty D-man and a key player in our own end. I’m looking forward to working with him in 2019/20.”

Dale Buckland will wear the number 39 jersey for the Dynamos when the new season begins in September.