Ten years after he last pulled on a Mos jersey the Invicta Dynamos have welcomed back speedy forward Joe Allen who returns to Planet Ice Gillingham following 6 straight seasons in South London with Streatham.

Joe Allen played junior hockey in Romford and Guildford, but it was with the Invicta Dynamos in 2007/08 that he had his first taste of senior hockey as Head Coach Kevin Parrish signed him up for his ENIHL side. A 17 year old Allen played in 37 games for the Mos and scored 16 times whilst tallying an impressive 32 assists for a total of 48 points. His pace and work rate made him stand out and were a significant factor in the Dynamos finishing top of ENIHL South Conference B.

The following year Joe Allen switched to Romford where he would feature in the ENIHL’s second tier with an eye to progressing to the EPL and he would succeed in making that step up come 2009/10 as he dressed 33 times for the Raiders – netting 4 and playing a role in 5 more in the league above. Financial difficulties saw Romford become a part of the ENIHL themselves in 2010/11 and Allen remained with the Gold and Blue for a further term before taking a year out of the sport.

By 2012/13 Allen was back in the game, this time icing for Streatham in the NIHL South Division 1. It is here that the forward has spent the majority of his senior career as he returned to the South London club year after year to play a total of 6 consecutive seasons in the capital. In 170 league appearances Allen found the target 44 times whilst also contributing 86 assists for a total of 130 points.

Perhaps lesser noted than his points tally, but just as valuable, was his considerable contribution to the Streatham forecheck and battling performances on the penalty kill that made him a key figure in the Redhawks line-up. In 2015/16 Allen wore the ‘A’ of Alternate Captain for the Londoners but now he brings his experience, work ethic and points gathering abilities back to where his senior career began – to Kent and the Invicta Dynamos.

Speaking on his second new signing of the off-season Head Coach Kevin Parrish said, “Joe is a high energy forward and a real team player so I’m delighted to be bringing him back to the Mos after ten years away.”

“When he first appeared for us in 2007 he was a 17 year old with great speed and plenty of raw talent. Since then he has developed into a great two-way player who works equally hard at both ends of the ice.”

“He’s solid in the faceoff circle and tireless on the forecheck and penalty kill. Factor in his eye for a pass and ability to put the puck in the net and you have a well rounded forward that will be an excellent addition to our roster for 2017/18.”

“I’m very pleased he has opted to pull on the Dynamos jersey again and look forward to working with him when the new season gets underway.”

Speaking on his imminent return to Kent Joe Allen said, “I’m really looking forward to a new challenge and playing hockey back in Medway once more. I enjoyed my spell in Gillingham years ago.”

“The fans get really involved and create an atmosphere you want to be a part of. I hope to play my part in a strong season for the club and am looking forward to pulling on a Dynamos jersey again in September.”

Joe Allen is the club’s second signing of the off-season following the capture of netminder Adam Long from the Hull Pirates.

Further player signings will be unveiled in the coming week on the club’s official website, Facebook page, Twitter feed and Instagram account.