Forward Jake Stedman is to stay with his hometown club for another term after the 20 year old put pen to paper for the 2019/20 campaign committing his immediate future to the Invicta Dynamos.
On assuming his role, newly appointed Player-Coach Anthony Leone stated his desire to build a team featuring young, local talent and few fit the mould as well as Jake Stedman with the forward a one club man in his hockey career so far.
Gillingham based Stedman has risen through the youth setup at Invicta – his junior years culminating in him being awarded the captaincy of the Invicta Colts under 18s in 2016/17 – before reaching the summit and representing the Dynamos from 2018.
Stedman’s first taste of senior hockey came in the NIHL South Division 2 as a 16 year old in 2014/15 when he twice stepped up for the Invicta Mustangs whilst continuing to represent his junior sides.
Over the years that followed he then became a regular in the second tier before earning a debut for the Dynamos towards the close of 2017/18. Stedman featured 11 times for the Mos whilst the campaign drew to a close and managed two assists as he adapted to life at the higher level.
In 2018/19 the forward then signed for the Dynamos on a two-way deal with the Mustangs but he spent the vast majority of his time in the NIHL South Division 1 – missing just 3 of the club’s 46 fixtures.
Over the course of the campaign the battling skater found the target 3 times and claimed 4 assists for 7 points. He also amassed 64 minutes of penalties. Now the team’s number 17 will be hoping to continue his development in 2019/20 at the club where the entirety of his hockey career has taken place so far.
Having secured his place on the roster for the new season Jake Stedman said, “Last year was difficult for the team but it still felt good playing a full season against some very tough opponents. Despite our struggles, I really enjoyed playing under captain Anthony Leone and now I’m excited to see what the future brings with him as coach.”
“Hopefully this year we’ll be more competitive in the league and achieve a much better outcome from the playoffs.”
Speaking on the re-signing of Jake Stedman, Player-Coach Anthony Leone said, “Jake is a homegrown talent who was given and seized an opportunity last season and has proven he is ready to play at this level of the game.”
“He has the attributes to be a good player in the NIHL South Division 1 and I have no doubt that he will benefit from a full season at this tier, playing alongside some experienced players who can assist in bringing the best out of him. This is a big season for Jake and I’m excited to see him flourish.”
Picture supplied by Dave Trevallion.