Invicta Dynamos Player-Coach Anthony Leone has re-signed 20 year old forward Luke Thirkettle who makes the full time step up to the NIHL South’s top tier for 2019/20 having dressed for the Mos during the closing stages of last season.

Luke Thirkettle is a product of the youth setup at Invicta having risen through the junior ranks in Gillingham before making his senior debut for the Mustangs in the NIHL South Division 2 in 2015/16.

Between 2015 and 2017 he competed for both his junior teams and in the NIHL South’s second tier before signing full time for the Mustangs for 2017/18. His performances ensured he kept his place on the team’s roster last season during which he featured 22 times in Division 2.

When injuries saw the Dynamos squad depleted over the second half of the campaign, Thirkettle was then called up to the NIHL South’s top tier where he played 8 times for the Mos – grabbing an assist on his home debut.

Now the young forward will be hoping to get more points under his belt for the side that it has long been his ambition to represent as he commits to the Dynamos for 2019/20.

Speaking on signing for the club, Luke Thirkettle said, “I remember going to watch the Dynamos play when I was younger and imagining what it would be like to pull on that jersey so being able to do that for parts of last season was pretty surreal!”

“This is the side I’ve always wanted to play for so it was an easy decision for me to come back for 2019/20. Being offered the chance to wear the Dynamos shirt every weekend is an opportunity I just had to take.”

“I’m excited about getting back on the ice and continuing to improve as a player. This year we want to be a threat to every team in the league and hopefully finish off with some silverware for the fans. They deserve it!”

Player-Coach Anthony Leone said, “Luke is another both young and local guy who I was keen to have involved with the Dynamos setup again this year. He stepped in last season when we needed him and proved that he is willing to listen, learn and improve.”

“He has certainly developed over the least year and I want to see that continue in 2019/10 so that he reaches his potential. He might not have been playing the game for many years but I believe that if he keeps working hard he can cement a place in the team for seasons to come. He will bring a good work ethic to the side and help us build for the future”.

Luke Thirkettle will wear the number 16 jersey for the Invicta Dynamos when the new season begins in September.

Picture supplied by Dave Trevallion.