HOPES still exist that the Gillingham-based Invicta Dynamos ice hockey team will be playing their hockey in the English National Premier League next season.

The battle for ENPL survival began when the club's main sponsors Kelly Cartons' two-year deal finished and they informed the Dynamos they were no longer in a financial position to renew the contract.

Despite seeking new sponsors for the past six months without success, the Dynamos management are taking the fight down to the wire.

Director Jackie Mason said: "This week we are talking seriously with three interested parties who may be able to offer us sponsorship. We have registered to play in the ENPL next season, but the crunch will come on June 8 at the fixtures meeting. By then we will have had to decide whether we are in a position to take our place in the league."

They know that if a replacement is not found, then star players will not accept playing in the English National League (South).

The club announced this week that long-serving British forward Elliott Andrews has already left and will be a Romford Raiders player next season.

Andrews, 28, is the Dynamos' all-time top points scorer (406), having played 258 games for the Mos in six seasons, scoring 180 goals with 226 assists.

Mason said: "Elliott has been a good player and it's sad to see him go."

Mrs Mason added: "Chelmsford Chieftains are facing exactly the same problems after losing their main sponsor. It costs around £125,000 to run an ENPL team so no team can afford to lose sponsorship money."

* If any company or individual can provide sponsorship contact Mrs Mason on 07710 742427.