INVICTA Dynamos face a tough test on home ice this Sunday as they begin the defence of their English National Premier League title.

New side Milton Keynes Lightning have exploded onto the scene making a lot of noise about wrenching the title away from Medway and they've backed it up with some impressive summer signings.

One Mos fans will know most about is former Ice Bowl favourite Mikko Skinnari who will be looking to put a few past his old team-mates.

MK will have their opening game of the season at home to Romford under their belt, so Invicta will have to be wary of being off the pace.

New player coach Carl Greenhous said: “We're going into the game cold, but are aware of the dangers. We will be looking to do the fundamentals right and stick to basics to lessen the chance of making stupid mistakes.

“I believe MK will be one of the strongest teams in the league this year so this is a good starting point. It will allow us to see what we need to work on and what additions we need to make to the squad.

“It will be strange having Mikko line-up against us instead of as a team-mate. We wish him well, but not too well when he's playing us!”

There have been a few amendments to the roster, with Dynamos director Sean Clement giving the club a timely boost with the announcement he will be lacing up those skates for another season.

Ian Rolands has decided not to play for the Mos this season, as a result last season’s backup netminder Adam Noctor has been swiftly re-signed.

And Jonathon Grey, who was unfortunate to miss the back end of last season through injury, returns for his second full season with Invicta.

Greenhous is quietly confident of his side's ability. He said: “We'll be able to compete with MK on the ice. I know Newman and Clarke from my time at Telford and they are good players, but we have good players too. It should be a great game.”

ENPL Fixtures: Saturday – Milton Keynes v Romford. Sunday – Invicta v Milton Keynes, Romford v Chelmsford, Telford v Swindon.