THE Gillingham-based Invicta Dynamos ice hockey team have lost another top player. Michael Wales has signed for Milton Keynes Lightning.

Wales, Medway born and bred, has an explosive style and quickly won over fans last year in his debut season. He was last season's clubman and supporters' player of the year.

His departure follows that of Elliott Andrews who has left for Romford Raiders.

It comes on top of news that Mos will be playing in the English National League (South) for the forthcoming season.

On a happier note, Mos captain Phil Chard believes the majority of the team will stay together despite dropping down a league.

Chard said: "We may have dropped a league, but in the long-term it will be good for the club because we have 25 new players eager to prove themselves. This year we will be able to bring the British youngsters up to scratch.

"Fans already know about AJ Smith and Garrett Bruce, but there are a few others with real promise too. One is David Savage. He may only be 15, but he's a big D-man with potential and playing against men in a competitive atmosphere will only improve him as a player."

Chard, last season's players' player of the year, has already announced he is staying on. He said: "We're only allowed one import on the ice at any one time in the ENHL so I think only one, maybe two, of last season's imports will stay.

"Duane Ward is undecided on his future, but I understand Matt Beveridge who has a home in Whitley is interested in staying in the ENPL or higher."

Last season's British player of the year, Jake French, is contemplating giving up hockey after starting up his own business, while defenceman of the year Matt Van Der Velden has yet to make a decision.

Invicta join Slough and Streatham as the new boys in ENHL South and will take their place alongside champions Basingstoke Buffalo, Bracknell Hornets, Milton Keynes Thunder, Oxford, Peterborough Titans plus Solent and Gosport.

The Dynamos will also be competing in the English Premier Cup and English Cup, the former pitting them against opponents from last season Romford Raiders, Slough Jets, Swindon Lynx, Chelmsford Chieftains and Isle of Wight Raiders in Group B.

The English Cup will see the Dynamos compete in a Southern group against ENHL rivals Oxford, Peterborough, Slough and Streatham.