Invicta Dynamos start the new season in a revamped English National League on Sunday, with head coach Kevin Parrish in buoyant mood.

Following a summer of considerable change at the Gillingham Ice Bowl, Invicta’s 20-strong squad entertain Milton Keynes in the league opener (5.15pm start) and Parrish can’t wait for the first drop of the puck.

He said: "We all can’t wait for Sunday. The league will be the toughest it’s been for a long time, with the new structure bringing more skill and higher quality hockey.

“There are some very good players in the league this year. I can see up to six of the eight teams challenging for the play-off places.

“I don’t anticipate there being many 10-goal blow outs this year, either. The way the league is, I think two or three-goal margins will be the rule.

“We’ll be looking to win our home games and then if we win 50 per cent of our road games, we’ll be there our thereabouts.

"I’m not putting a target on the season, however, as we’ll be looking at each game in turn."

Parrish’s excitement may stem from his own recruitment success. After clearing out the uncommitted members of the squad, the coach has captured a number of impressive players including ex-Elite League performers Phil Manny, Adam Copland and Jamie Dancey, starting goalie Michael Gray and Slovak duo Milan Kostolny and Martin Melichercik.

“Kostolny is the one that stands out more than anyone because of the experience and obvious talent he brings to the ice,” Parrish added.

“He has a good presence on the ice, he wants the puck all the time and he’s so calm in possession."

INVICTA LINES: D-Men: 1 Adam Copland, Jack Tarczycki, 2 Tim Smith, Anthony Lennon, 3 Ryan Giles, Damien Welch.

Forwards: 1 Elliott Andrews, Milan Kostolny, Jamie Dancey, 2 AJ Smith, Martin Melichercik, Phil Manny, 3 Grant Baxter (C), Karl Lennon, Anthony Leone, 4 Matt Drake, Martin Rider, Laurence Billing.

Netminders: Michael Gray, Glen Jackson.