29 year old forward Anthony Leone will return to the Invicta Dynamos this weekend after penning a contract for the 2012/13 season.

The move will see him return to Gillingham following two years in Essex with the Romford Raiders.

Anthony Leone first iced in Kent in the 2006/07 season as he departed the then EPL Chelmsford Chieftains to team up Head Coach Kevin Parrish in Medway. He would then enjoy a fine first term at the Silver Blades as his 17 goals and 13 assists from 21 league appearances, alongside his hard hitting, no nonsense style of play, made him a firm favourite amongst the club’s support. As a result, he was called back to the Dynamos for the following three seasons and, when he eventually departed to sign for the Romford Raiders ahead of 2010/11, he had iced for the club 153 times, netted 62 goals and grabbed 58 assists for 120 points.

Having made the move to Rom Valley Way, Anthony Leone capitalised on a change of scenery and appeared reinvigorated as Head Coach Danny Marshall gave him the ‘C’ of captain. In his first year with the Raiders, Leone made 38 league appearances, netted 34 times, claimed 29 assists and so tallied 63 points as his side finished third in the NIHL South Division 1.

The following season they would then go two better as the forward led the team to the championship and lifted the trophy come the close of 2011/12. Another 24 goals and 17 assists from 36 outings saw the skater amass 41 points for a total of 104 from his two campaigns in Essex. Now though, after much speculation, the forward will make a return to Kent and should return to action this weekend for the Invicta Dynamos.

Speaking on the return of Anthony Leone, Head Coach Kevin Parrish revealed that he was looking forward to having the forward back at his disposal and hoped that he could repeat his Romford form at the Silver Blades in Gillingham.

Parrish said, “In his two years away Anthony has proven he still has more than enough to be a force at this level and his arrival could provide a timely boost. He had his fair share of doubters when he made the switch to Essex but his points return and general all round play speaks volumes for his ability and now he is keen make his name once again here in Gillingham”.

The Dynamos supremo then suggested Leone would also benefit his side away from the ice when he added, “Anthony donned the ‘C’ in Romford and is a big character to have in the dressing room. Having been away from the game since departing the Raiders at the close of the last campaign, he is itching to get back out on the ice and I’ve no doubt that his desire and passion to be involved once again will help us turn our recent mixed form into the wins we need to see”.

Forward Anthony Leone will return to action for the Dynamos this weekend as the team host the Streatham Redskins in Gillingham before a road trip to face the reigning playoff champions in Chelmsford on Sunday. He will once again don the number 29 – the same number he wore for the club between 2006 and 2010.

Picture by Tim Bowers