INVICTA DYNAMOS captain Kev Lake has paid tribute to Andy Smith following Sunday’s 6-1 win over Basingstoke Buffalo at the Ice Bowl.

Work commitments prevented the young forward from contributing to the Mos’ cause after he had played in the first game of the season against Swindon, and the club announced in October that Smith would miss the whole year.

However, Smith’s situation has been resolved to such an extent that he returned to the club last week, and he duly racked up five assists in a man-of-the-match comeback performance.

Lake said the forward’s about-turn had lifted the team and helped the Mos produce their best showing of the English National Ice Hockey League season so far.

He said: "Andy Smith is a big-game player for us, and he made a big difference. To have him back just brought us a bit of a lift – he brings a lot to the team."

Next up is a return with the Buffalo on Sunday, face-off 6.30pm.