Former Invicta Dynamos junior, Joe Stephenson, is to once again ice for the Mos as he completes a comeback to the club and resumes his defensive position on the blue line.
Following a stint in Kent back in 2019/20 he joined Guildford Phoenix in the NIHL2 and after a successful season with them he feels the time is right to step back up to the NIHL1 and continue his progression.
Stephenson spent some of his earlier years icing for the Invicta Juniors U16s in 2011/12 and 2012/13 before switching to the Guildford youth setup. He remained in Surrey for a number of seasons working his way through the under 16s, under 18s and under 20s, before making his senior debut in the NIHL South Division 2 in 2017/18.
In his 2019/20 season with the Mos, Stephenson demonstrated a reliable and mature presence on the blue line. Across the 39 games he played he assisted in 8 goals and was asked to sit in the penalty box for just 14 minutes, proving a high level of discipline and a calm head. Key attributes Lennon is looking for in the signings he makes this season.
Last year Joe returned to the Phoenix in a campaign that saw them reign supreme in all competitions, wining the league, the cup and the playoffs in fantastic style. Joe made a significant contribution to their success icing in 25 games, scoring 2 goals, contributing 5 assists and shoring up the defense. These achievements have contributed to a growing confidence and a desire to play at a higher level once again.
Now he is looking to progress further and develop his game with a move back to the club where it all started for him as a young skater – in Gillingham with the Invicta Dynamos – and the NIHL South’s top tier.
Speaking on his move back, Joe Stephenson said, “It was an easy decision to make to sign for the Dynamos this season. Karl has some great ideas for the club and I can’t wait to be a part of it. Gillingham is where it all started for me so I’m glad to be back.”
Lennon is pleased to have the young D-Man back on the roster and had this to say “We are very happy to have Joe on board for next season. He comes to us off the back of a great season in NIHL 2 South with Guildford where he played in the team that were league and playoff champions. It’s great to have another Kent boy that was an Invicta junior on the roster and we’re hoping that he will bring that momentum he gathered last season to us this term. Joe is a quality D man that is sound defensively, moves the puck well and he’ll be a great asset to us this season. I’m certain of that. Welcome back to Invicta Joe”.
Joe Stephenson will wear the number 40 jersey for the Invicta Dynamos when the new season begins in September.