Dynamos are rebuiding for the future by Robert Stevenson (The Herald Ice Hockey Annual)
Although you couldn't exactly call 1967-68 a successful season for the dynamos, I am nevertheless pleased
with the progress the club has made during the year. From the previous seasons team we lost Gordie hughes and John Connor
who deserted us for Paisley, Joe Baird went to Fife and Charlie Mawer retired. We undoubtedly missed the experience of these
players, particularly the goal scoring feats of joe and Charlie. Out front line was further blunted by the mid season departure
to England of Tommy Taylor and the loss of Davie Sinclair who was preparing to emigrate.
Perhaps the most significant item on the credit side was the formation and progress of our reserve side,
the Glasgow Redwings, under the acble management of Bill Greig. already winger Billy McIntosh has graduated
to first team status and Laurie Tyson and Donnie Lavetyhave both had several outings with the "big team".
We had a couple of lucky breaks during the season. One was the almost accidental pairing of Alan Lavety
and Jimmy Purcell on defence: these two have settled down into a solid partnership which could be the backbone of the team
for years to come. The second piece of luck was the arrival of Canadian student, Gary Hysert. Although a more than capable
defenceman, Gary's heart was set on net minding and when Ian Nelson went down with appendicitis, Gary took his chance and
has held the podsition ever since.
Of all our players, I think the most rapid development has been shown by Billy Lavety. After spells on defence
and right wing, Billy has found his true berth as a centre who can make as well as score goals and I am looking for big things
from him next term.
Our two "veterans", Dan ballantyne and Freddie Soulis, were their usual consistent selves all season, while
Barry Stevenson, Rab ormond and rudi Carroll all made steady progress.We are lucky too in having such a grand clubman
as Frank burns standing by for emergencies. Ian Boggan made a pratial comeback at the end of the season and we are hoping
that he will be regularly available in future.
In the Autumn Cup, we finished a creditable third and had two very close games against the all-conquering
Paisley Mohawks, both of which we could have won with a little luck. I was disappointed that we failed to make the playoffs
and at our tame exit from the Icy Smith Cup at durham in the first round , but we had some consolation in winning the Northumbrian Cup
in our last match of the season at Whitley bay.
The Supporters Club "Player of the Year" Shield was won most deservedly by Alan Lavety, the presentation
being made during a match at Crossmyloof, against Fife Flyers, by visiting coach,Joe McIntosh.
The highlights of last season were our two trips to London to play Wembley Lions. This was the first time
most of our lads played before a large crowd and the experience did them the world of good. We wereall delighted at the sporting
reception we received from the wembley fans and at the kindness of the Wemvbley management.
As for the coming season, well, I'm not going to make any predictions , although the addition of an experienced
goalscoring winger would work wonders! I will, however, make a promise. Win, lose or drawthe Glasgow Dynamos will be trying
to play good hockey all the time.
