Invicta Dynamos Head Coach Kevin Parrish has added depth to his roster with the signing of 32 year old former EPL and NIHL forward Tom Long who returns to the game having previously hung up his skates in 2012 to join the Royal Marines.

Tom Long came to prominence with the Chelmsford Chieftains before stints in the EPL with the Essex side, Slough Jets, Romford Raiders, Wightlink Raiders and Basingstoke Bison between 2002 and 2010. In 272 EPL appearances the forward notched 70 goals 95 assists and 165 points.

In 2010/11 Long then re-joined the Chieftains, now of the NIHL South Division 1, where he enjoyed an empathic return to Essex with 58 points in 37 league outings including 34 goals and 24 assists as one of the club’s alternate captains. This tally was then surpassed the following year – Long finding twine on 30 occasions and playing a role in 40 other strikes for a total of 70 points in 35 games.

Despite his fantastic form and influence on the team, Tom Long bid an emotional farewell to the sport in the summer of 2012 as he put his skates to one side to join the world renowned Royal Marines. However now, after numerous years of service, the skater is in a position to return to ice hockey and his comeback will be made with the Invicta Dynamos after he penned a deal for the remainder of 2017/18.

Speaking on the capture of Tom Long, Head Coach Kevin Parrish said, “After 5 years out of the game serving with the Royal Marines, Tom is eager to get back into it and he has been getting up to speed by training with us for the last month. He’s in great shape, rediscovering his form of previous seasons and I’ve no doubt will be a very good addition to the roster.”

“Before joining the Marines, Tom was always a thorn in our side when he played against us for the Chelmsford Chieftains so I’m delighted to now have him at our disposal. He brings experience to our predominantly young side but will also get amongst the points.”

“After his years away from the game it may take a few games to get fully in the swing of things but I’ve no doubt he will be an excellent addition in the NIHL South Division 1”.

Tom Long will wear number 71 for the Dynamos and goes straight into the line-up this weekend as the Mos travel to Streatham to face the London side on the road on Saturday before a home tie with the Bracknell Bees in Gillingham on Sunday.