The Invicta Dynamos started their 2021/22 league campaign with a 6-4 road win against the Slough Jets on Saturday courtesy of goals from Ashley Jackson (2), Matt Foord (2), Brandon Webster and Anthony Leone.
The Dynamos came into the tie minus Tomas Banovsky, who still awaits paperwork approval for his switch from the EU to the UK, but welcomed new blue liner Billy Woods and re-signed forward Joshua Condren. Ben Clements started in net for the visitors and Brett Shepherd was between the posts for the hosts.
In the opening frame the Jets lit the lamp as early as 02.12 – Jacob Soper on hand to fire beyond Ben Clements for the first of the night. His effort was quickly cancelled out however – Matt Foord finding Brandon Webster who sent the pack past the reach of Brett Shepherd to tie the game. Neither team could then add to their tallies in the remainder of the period.
In the second frame the visitors took the lead for the first time on the night – Ashley Jackson the provider for Matt Foord who slotted home at 23.03 for the 2-1 edge. That advantage was extended at 25.50 – this time Jackson the man putting the puck over the line following work from Brandon Webster. However an interference minor on brother Mason Webster gave the Jets a spell on the powerplay and they made it count at 27.31 – Solomon Smith teeing up Harry Harcup to cut the deficit to 3-2.
Towards the end of the period the Jets took advantage of another powerplay to restore parity at 3-3. At 36.11 Conor Redmond and Daniel Bradley combined before Christian Mohr beat Ben Clements whilst Joshua Condren and Anthony Leone watched on from the penalty box. The visitors remained upbeat though and retook the lead in the final minute – Ross Cowan sitting a charging minor for the Jets as Ashley Jackson drilled beyond Brett Shepherd at 39.41 – assists going to Matt Foord and Juraj Huska.
In the final period Slough quickly pulled level again – the clock stopping at 44.20 when Conor Redmond benefited from a pass by Harry Harcup to make it all square at 4-4. The swing of momentum never followed though and the Mos were back in front at 47.22 – Player-Coach Anthony Leone leading the way with a finish beyond Brett Shepherd following work from Ashley Jackson and Mason Webster.
Slough pushed for a leveller until the end but were caught out late on – Matt Foord converting at 59.18 to put the game beyond doubt and seal an opening day win for the Dynamos.
Ben Clements finished with a save percentage of 91.49% having denied 43 of 47 attempts on net whilst Brett Shepherd completed the game with a stop rate of 87.80%.