19 year old Harrison Lillis will return to the Invicta Dynamos defence for the 2013/14 campaign with the skater set to enjoy his most prominent role to date when the puck drops on the new season in early September.

Home grown skater Harrison Lillis has risen through the ranks in Gillingham – eventually rising to the NIHL South Division 2 to represent the Mustangs in 2009/10 aged just 16. Whilst still splitting his minutes with the under 18s, the utility man managed 7 points in 15 appearances during his first year of senior hockey – a tally that would see him continue with the side the following year.

In 2010/11 Lillis would still divide his time between the juniors and the NIHL South Division 2 outfit and he would dress 23 times for the Mustangs – managing 2 goals and 8 assists in the process. After two seasons in the league’s second tier, Lillis would then split the next campaign with the Dynamos – his first appearance for the most senior side coming in 2011/12.

Aged 18, Harrison Lillis dressed 19 times for the Dynamos in the league’s top tier and opened his account for the club with a goal during the regular season – a strike that was later eclipsed by his first hat-trick – a three goal haul against the Cardiff NIHL Devils in the playoffs. His promising displays ensured a return to the side in 2012/13 where he would pull on the jersey 32 times whilst also representing the Mustangs of Division 2.

Once again it was in the playoffs that he seized his opportunity to impress, as injuries left the Dynamos short at the back, and Lillis stepped up to fill the void admirably against both Cardiff and Chelmsford. His performances in the post season and his determination to progress in Gillingham have now ensured the skater can expect more of the same in 2013/14 as his Head Coach rewards him with a contract for the new campaign.

Speaking on the return of Harrison Lillis, Head Coach Kevin Parrish revealed the 19 year old was in line for more ice time come the new season after what he saw as a turning point come the close of 2012/13.

Parrish said, “It has been a two year progression with Harry since he first iced for us in 2011/12 and at the end of last year he really showed signs of his development with some great displays when the team needed it most. His performances on the back line, most notably against Cardiff and Chelmsford in the playoffs, showed that his natural position is on the blue line and it’s here that I see him making his mark for us in 2013/14.”

“He was exceptional both on the road in Wales and in Essex and, if he can maintain those levels, he will be a valuable asset come the new season”.

The Head Coach then suggested it was an important year for his latest re-signing when he added, “Harry has plenty of potential and heart and now he just needs to make sure he stays level headed, continues to put the work in and just looks to keep it simple. Should he manage that, I have no doubt we’ll have a budding new talented defenceman amongst our ranks come September”.

Harrison Lillis will wear number 17 when the new season gets underway and his capture takes the Dynamos roster for the 2013/14 campaign to 9 with further announcements on the horizon.

Picture supplied by David Trevallion.