Not content with 322 appearances across seven seasons, 32 year old defenceman Arran Strawson is now back at the Invicta Dynamos for an eighth consecutive campaign after a change in his personal circumstances permitted a return to hockey for 19/20.
Arran Strawson first joined the Dynamos in the summer of 2012 and has since gone on to become something of an institution at the club making more appearances for the Mos than all but six players in the team’s 22 year history.
In seven seasons the blue liner has donned a Dynamos jersey 322 times, scored 53 goals, tallied 176 assists and so amassed an impressive 229 points. His physical style yet amiable character also played significant roles in ensuring the D-man became a favourite with the fans at the team he captained in 2017/18.
Last term, despite work commitments, Arran Strawson still iced 31 times for the Dynamos and picked up 11 points in the process. Now, after further commitments initially looked to have ruled out a return during 2019/20, he is back with the Mos looking to add to the NIHL Southern Cup he picked up in 2014/15 and the NIHL Southern Playoff title he scooped with the side in 2016/17.
Speaking on his return to the Dynamos, Arran Strawson said, “I’ve played here for seven years now and I love this club. I’ve also known Leone for a long time, I like the direction he wants to go with the side and I really want to be a part of it.”
“This year I see my role as bringing some experience to this young but promising roster whilst continuing to do what I’ve always done – wear my heart on my sleeve and leave it all out there on the ice to help contribute towards this team being successful.”
“We are good enough to be competitive every time we play in 2019/20 and to give ourselves a good chance of some silverware at the end of the season.”
Player-Coach Anthony Leone revealed his delight at the return of Strawson saying, “Arran was the first person I contacted in the summer but due to work commitments it initially wasn’t possible for him to join up with us. As soon as his circumstances changed I was really pleased to be able to get him back on board and I’m looking forward to him getting going again.”
“Arran belongs here. He’s an experienced player and he knows the club inside out. We were looking to add more depth to the squad and he is the perfect addition. He’ll be working hard to get up to full speed over the next few weeks but we’re glad to have him back on that blue line.”
In 2019/20 Arran Strawson will continue to wear the number 61 jersey that he has made his own once it arrives from suppliers. The blue liner is in line to immediately return to action this weekend on the road against the Raiders on Saturday and then at home against the Slough Jets on Sunday.
Picture supplied by Dave Trevallion.