Estonian import Ilja Urushev has rocked the Invicta Dynamos by opting to depart the club after just two appearances.

Urushev leaves the Dynamos just two games into his Gillingham hockey career claiming the standard of the NIHL South Division 1 was below the quality at which he wants to play.

After an exhaustive search and a no-show from previous signing Joonas Liimatainen, Head Coach Kevin Parrish revealed the capture of blue liner Ilja Urushev at the start of December confident he had found the man to shore up the Dynamos rear guard.

Urushev arrived with a host of international appearances under his belt as well as time in the Czech Republic, Russia, Latvia, France and America. His experience showed immediately in his debut during a feisty encounter with the Wightlink Raiders on Saturday before he then impressed further with two goals in a 4-1 road win against the Milton Keynes Thunder on Sunday.

However, having helped his new side complete a four point weekend, Urushev then delivered a killer blow by announcing his intention to leave.

Speaking on this latest development with Ilja Urushev Head Coach Kevin Parrish said, “I’m mystified by what has happened and obviously the financial cost to the club is substantial.”

“After the weekend Ilja informed me that the league was not professional enough for his liking and that he would be returning home to Estonia immediately.”

“He wanted to be out training on the ice every day and playing the vast majority of each game but, at our level, that ice time is simply not available and nor is the game time in a two import league where non-EIHA trained players cannot ice together.”

“His departure is all the more frustrating given that Ilja knew the setup before flying into the UK just a week ago and he now leaves us with another roster spot to fill and little in the way of finances to make it happen”.

When pushed on whether the hunt for a new import would begin immediately Head Coach Kevin Parrish said, “It’s a difficult situation for the club now given that we have effectively paid out nearly £2000 on a total of two appearances from two players.”

“For now we need to see if we can recoup the cost of the ITC (International Transfer Cards) otherwise we’ll be spending well beyond our means. You don’t budget for this situation to happen once so to be put in a very similar position again is hugely frustrating”.

Ilja Urushev’s exit comes just as the Invicta Dynamos enter a crucial double header weekend that begins on the road against the London Raiders before a home tie against current leaders the Chelmsford Chieftains on Sunday.

However, despite the sizeable blow, Head Coach Kevin Parrish is still bullish about his team’s chances. Looking at the upcoming games Parrish said, “This weekend will undoubtedly be difficult but if we want to be in with a chance of winning the league come March we can’t sit here licking our wounds.”

“We have a roster full of guys that want to play for the shirt and, after a tricky trip to Lee Valley on Saturday, if our supporters can get the Silver Blades bouncing on Sunday like no other venue in this league then we can definitely take the game to Chelmsford”.

 

The Dynamos host the Chelmsford Chieftains in the final fixture before Christmas with faceoff at the Gillingham Ice Rink at 5.15pm. A full house is anticipated at the Silver Blades where fans are invited to wear their Christmas jumpers ahead of a post-game buffet in the bar following the clash.