New Invicta Dynamos netminder Chris Douglas relishing Silver Blades challenge
Published: 08:54, 08 July 2013
New Invicta Dynamos netminder Chris Douglas will be putting in some serious miles next season.
The 33-year-old, who lives in Swindon, faces a 260-mile round trip for training and home games in Gillingham.
But the chance to play in front of the passionate Mos fans every week has got Douglas excited despite the long commute.
He said: “It’s a bit of a trek to training – a two-hour drive. I’ve got a house and a job here (in Swindon) so it’s big for me, having to travel so far. But it’s a sacifice I’m willing to make.
“It’s always good to play in front of big crowds. I remember Invicta fans saying ‘you should come and play for us,’ so I’m hoping to do well.
“Having good support always gives me chills on the back of my neck, it makes me play hard. I’m someone who likes to play for the fans.
"I always seem to play well in Invicta. I don’t remember playing a bad game in that rink, which bodes well for this season. The people in the crowd get on your case and I like that.”
Douglas – nicknamed Disco for his on-ice dance moves – spent much less time on the road last season, when he played for Invicta’s league rivals but felt a move to Kent represented a better chance of silverware.
He said: “I was just looking for a new challenge. I’ve played the last couple of seasons at Oxford and Bracknell and, to be honest, I’ve come here to win trophies.
“I know a few of the boys down at Invicta so I thought I’d give it a go and give Kev (Parrish) a call. This was an opportunity to play in a big team and win trophies.
Netminder has been something of a problem position for the Mos recently. David Wride was sacked for gross misconduct in March and Andy Moffat suffered a knee injury against Bracknell which forced defenceman Jack Tarczycki to fill in. Mustangs’ David Jackson was later drafted in as cover.
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Steve Tervet