Invicta Dynamos Club Director Jackie Mason has told KSN of her passion for the club, some thirteen years after taking charge of the side.

Mason has overseen the transformation of the side from the Medway Bears to the Invicta Dynamos with great success both on and off the ice.

In a Q&A session with KSN, Mason gives us the low down on life at the Invicta Dynamos.

Q: You have been running the Dynamos for thirteen years now, what made you fall in love with ice hockey?

A: I started watching the Wembley Lions when I was about 13 and used to go skating at Wembley Arena, so I guess that the passion for it started from there. I think it’s the sort of game that you either love or hate and when the Medway Bears started, it was a great opportunity to go back and watch it.

Q: There must have been some changes over the years, what have been the highs and lows?

A: The highs are always when you win and the lows are when you lose. When you win you are on a high for a couple of days (especially if the team has played well and it’s against one of the local rivals). The highest point was winning the National League in Coventry. I was so nervous that I went outside and came back in as the last penalty shot was being taken.

When you lose it also takes a couple of days to get over it.

The league itself has improved beyond recognition. It is now of the standard that the English Premier League was when we first formed it. It makes for exciting games, but no guaranteed wins.

Q: The last three years have seen a lot of changes going on and off the ice at Invicta, can you explain what has happened?

A: Silver Blades took over the ice rink which left the hockey side a little up in the air, so it was a case of really working hard to put a team together at relatively short notice. There was also a constant injury list; I don’t think we had a full team for any game of the season. It makes it difficult for the coach and the team as the lines have to be kept swapping about and there is no consistency for the players.

Last season was even worse. We were “promised” lots of things including housing and sponsorship that never materialised. We then lost 4 players to a higher league and again were hit with long term injuries.

Glenn Thompson offered some help and has since taken over the marketing. It’s really good to have someone to bounce things off and to bring in new ideas. Glenn has done really well and we are looking forward to a long term settled management team. Erin Rose has also come in as our Sports Therapist. She has done wonders with the team and sorts out any injury and rehab plan before they become a major issue. We also have an excellent backroom team. Everyone there has been doing their bit for years and so know exactly what to do. It takes a lot of pressure off to know that there is so much support at hand.

Q: In a male dominated sport, what makes a lady like yourself want to be involved in ice hockey?

A: I don’t think “wanted to be involved” is the right phrase. When Dave Hodge and Gary Bayliss formed the Dynamos they asked me to help out with the Seniors. That rapidly became the juniors, ladies and recreational teams as well and then things just seemed to evolve. The other team owners are really good and everyone gets on well. I have probably been running a club for the longest so everyone just accepts me. The load has been lightened since Silver Blades took over the running of the rink and they are now responsible for the Juniors, Ladies and rec teams, but it is important that we are seen as one club and we work together as closely as possible to ensure that the development continues from the novices into the Mustangs and through to the Dynamos

Q: Finally, how do you rate the sides’ chances for this season after a difficult start?

A: I can’t predict how our team will do this season. It’s a case of wait and see. Our coach Kevin Parrish has put together a very good side but we have had a few people missing for games which again messes up the lines. Once the team start gelling properly we will give any team a run for their money. Every team wants to win the league but as long as we take each game as it comes and play good entertaining hockey and pick up the points. I am sure that our fans will be as supportive as they always are.

I would like to mention our supporters. I know it has been said time and time again but they really are the best supporters in the league, so I would like to thank them all for their support. I would also like to thank everyone who ensures that the team gets out on the ice each week whether home or away ensuring that the club will go from strength to strength. Many thanks.

Pictures supplied by David Trevallion