The Invicta Dynamos have announced the return of the club’s 2019/20 Defenceman of the Year Henry Aiken who commits to the team for a second consecutive season.

24 year old Henry Aiken was a fresh addition to the Mos in the summer of 2019 as newly appointed Player-Coach Anthony Leone signed the blue liner from the Guildford Phoenix to provide him his first taste of the NIHL South Division 1.

The defenceman adapted to the higher level over the course of the campaign and finished the year as just one of four players to feature in all of the club’s 42 games. Aiken notched one goal, chipped in with 13 assists and amassed 72 minutes of penalties. The lively D-man was also a big hit with the supporters given his feisty physical displays and entertaining character.

Prior to his Gillingham move, Aiken had risen through the junior ranks at Guildford before going on to make his senior debut for the Lee Valley Lions in the NIHL South Division 2 in 2015. Aiken spent two seasons at Lee Valley Ice Centre before returning to the Phoenix for a further two campaigns. He then moved to Kent for 2019/20 and he will now remain with Anthony Leone’s side for another term having found a new hockey home in Medway.

Speaking on his return to the Dynamos, defenceman Henry Aiken said, “I absolutely loved everything about playing for the Mos last season. From the guys in the dressing room, to the coaching staff and of course all of the fantastic fans who made me feel so at home – it was a great experience.”

“As a new team coming together, I feel we did well. We gelled quickly and we felt like a close family from the moment that first puck dropped. There was never a question of me not wanting to come back.”

“From the moment I was asked I’ve been eager for the new season to get underway. I feel I’ve got a lot more to give and know as a team we’re hungry for the challenge of competing for this league.”

Player-Coach Anthony Leone declared himself equally pleased to have secured the return of Aiken saying, “Henry settled in really well following his move to the club last summer. He adjusted to the faster pace of the game, gave us a physical edge and brought character and passion to the changing room.”

“He fully deserved the Defenceman of the Year award at the end of the season. He has only been here a year but he already loves this club and pulling on that jersey. He is still young and keen to develop and I look forward to helping him become and even bigger influence for us in 2020/21.”

Henry Aiken will continue to wear the number 11 jersey when the new season gets underway.