The Invicta Dynamos have added significant experience to the roster ahead of the 2020/21 campaign by securing the return of veteran forward Matt Foord from the Bracknell Hornets who has over 1,000 appearances to his name.

38 year old Matt Foord’s hockey journey began in Berkshire with the Slough Jets where he made his senior debut as a 17 year old in the British National League in 1998/99. Since then the skater has gone on to enjoy a successful career that has already spanned over two decades.

In that time, and in addition to featuring for Slough, Foord has represented the London Racers, Cardiff Devils, Bracknell Bees, Bracknell Hornets, Nottingham Panthers and Swindon Wildcats as well as spending one season with the Invicta Dynamos.

In his more than 20 seasons in the game, Foord has predominantly iced in the EPL (now the NIHL), made several appearances in the Elite League and more recently continued his career in the NIHL South Division 1.

During his career Foord has played 1000 league and playoff fixtures, netted 217 goals and claimed 261 assists in those fixtures and so amassed 478 points. He has also accumulated 1,298 minutes of penalties.

Matt Foord last iced for the Dynamos in 2018/19 where he featured in a total of 43 games and was deployed as both a forward and back in defence. He found the net twice, grabbed 13 assists and so finished the year with 15 points. Since then the skater was tempted back to Bracknell where he was also offered a coaching role and here he managed 12 goals and 19 assists for 31 points in 32 league outings.

The veteran was set to remain in Bracknell for the upcoming campaign however the permanent closure of John Nike Leisuresport Complex left him without a team and Dynamos Player-Coach Anthony Leone has swooped in to secure his services.

Speaking on his return to the Mos Matt Foord said, “It was a really hard decision for me to leave Invicta in the first place. It was only the chance to get into coaching that influence my decision. So when I found out about the situation with the rink in Bracknell the Dynamos were the only club I wanted to play for.”

“Although I was only here for one season I really felt a part of the Mos family and now I can’t wait to get back.”

Foord then detailed what he would be looking to bring to the side in 2020/21 when he said, “I always play with my heart on my sleeve and bring passion to the team. Hopefully this season I can add some additional offence and bring even more experience and leadership to the locker room.”

“I’m really excited for the season ahead and I have high expectations for both myself and the club. I definitely want to win some silverware and I believe we can do that.”

Meanwhile Player-Coach Anthony Leone declared himself very pleased to have Matt Foord back amongst the ranks when he said, “Matt is a signing I didn’t expect to be able to make but there was never any doubt about wanting to bring him back to Gillingham when he became available.”

“He is a player of vast experience and an excellent presence to have in the changing room. He links up well with teammates, knows where the goal is, is a leader both on and off the ice and can play a number of positions.”

“He is strong addition to our roster for the new season and I look forward to working with him when we get underway in 2020/21.”

Picture supplied by Dave Trevallion.