Invicta Dynamos’ head coach Kevin Parrish has secured his most important signing of the close-season in the guise of Streatham Redskins’ netminder Michael Gray.

In a move that is sure to stoke the fire of rivalry between the two clubs, the ENL’s best goalie in terms of save percentage (94.6) and goals against average (1.8) last season has turned his back on the Londoners to sign on as Invicta’s No.1.

"Michael is going to be a great No.1 for us this season," Parrish said.

"He stood out when he played against us last year. He got in our faces and made it hard for our forwards. It was like playing against a brick wall at times.

"I imagine the move will go down like a lead balloon in Streatham but our defensive unit for next season is looking very strong right now."

Parrish has also added an old face to his squad by signing Adam Copland. A veteran of 36 Invicta games, the 23-year-old returns to the Gillingham Ice Bowl following a four-year hiatus where he played for a touring side in Canada, the Elite League’s Basingstoke Bison and Romford Raiders of the EPL.

"Adam could still play at EPL level," admitted Parrish. "He could have gone back to Romford and Swindon were also interested but when he rang me to say he was available, I was happy to welcome him back."

Two further players making their return to Invicta this week are Elliot Andrews and Grant Baxter. Andrews is Invicta’s top points scorer of all time and returned to the club midway through last season. Baxter was last year’s captain and he will be again.

"Grant has been with us through thick and thin," Parrish said: "He did well as captain last year, he was brilliant for the team and he doesn’t sherk his responsibilities."

Invicta have six roster spots to fill before they embark on pre-season training next month.

The ENL season is expected to start on September 13.