The revised league structure for the Invicta Dynamos has been cast into doubt as three teams withdrew on Friday.

It looked like it was going to be a two conference system of six teams at the new NIHL 1 South level including the Kent based side, but that is looking unlikely now following the news that Solent Devils, Oxford City Stars and Chelmsford Chieftains have decided to withdraw from the league just weeks after agreeing to the new structure.

The Dynamos have released the following statement confirming their intention to play out the new season starting in September.

 

The withdrawal of Solent, Oxford and Chelmsford will come as a big blow to fans wanting to see as many of last season’s NIHL South sides stay in the new format, but the prospect of facing the likes of Swindon Wildcats, Basingstoke Bison and Bracknell Bees will give the Dynamos more challenging games.

Meanwhile, the League Management Committee issued the following statement after the announcements from the three clubs that have decided to withdraw from the new set up:

“The League Management Committee (LMC) of NIHL South is desperately sad to announce that overnight and this morning the Solent Devils, Oxford City Stars and Chelmsford Chieftains told the LMC that they wished to withdraw from NIHL 1.”

“This is a dark day for the NIHL and no doubt the repercussions of this issue will be felt for some time to come.”

“After our meeting on 7 May, where the League was in such a positive place, it is desperately disappointing to see this happen. We would like to thank all three clubs for what they have brought to NIHL 1 over the years and they will be truly missed.”

“Several of these teams have requested relegation to NIHL 2. This will be considered by the LMC over the coming days and a full statement will be made at that time to include the agreed structure for NIHL 1 and NIHL 2 in the South.”

“The LMC continues to speak with all of the member clubs in the NIHL South to reach a solution as soon as possible.”

“Finally we thank the supporters of the teams for their patience in this difficult time and we will issue a further statement as quickly as we can.”

So it seems as though the Dynamos fans will have to wait a little longer to see who their opposition will be from next season.

Head Coach, Kevin Parrish has already signed import defenceman Ondrej Zosiak and netminder Damien King to his roster with lots more announcements to be made in the coming weeks.