The Romford Raiders have secured their place in the playoffs.

That’s the job done. Now the real business starts.

Last night’s trip to face the Swindon Wildcats showed exactly what this group is about. A tight, hard-fought game went all the way to overtime, with the Raiders narrowly edged out 4–3. A point on the road. A performance full of fight. And confirmation that this team belongs in the mix.

There’s no time to dwell on it.

We go again tonight.

Back at the Sapphire.
Face-off at 17:15.
Same opponents. Same intensity expected.

If last night was anything to go by, you’re in for a proper playoff-level battle.

Next weekend brings another huge test.

Saturday 4th April – home to the Peterborough Phantoms, 17:15 face-off.
Sunday 5th April – away at Planet Ice Peterborough.

Then it all comes down to the final group fixtures.

Saturday 11th April – away to the Sheffield Steeldogs.
Sunday 12th April – back home at the Sapphire.

Simple equation.

Top two teams progress.

Make it through, and it’s Finals Weekend at Coventry Skydome on 18th and 19th April.

That’s where everyone wants to be.

The hard work to get here is done. Qualification secured.

Now it’s about momentum.
Execution.
And stepping up when it matters most.

We need you with us. Tickets on sale now at https://romfordraiders.ticketco.shop/

Pack the Sapphire tonight. Bring the noise. Back the boys.

COYR.

Romford Raiders Announce the Departure of Head Coach Jason Buckman

We would like to thank Jason for his contributions to ice hockey in Romford over the last few seasons.

We wish Jason all the very best in his future endeavours and look forward to seeing his continued journey in the world of ice hockey.

Twins Austin and Dawson Osborn Join the Romford Raiders

Romford Raiders are delighted to announce the signing of twin forwards Austin and Dawson Osborn for the 2025/26 season. The 21-year-old duo join the Raiders from MK Lightning, bringing with them an exciting mix of speed, skill, and North American experience.

Before returning to the UK last season, the Osborn brothers spent three seasons developing their game in the United States — icing for the Idaho Falls Spud Kings, Vernal Oilers, and most recently, the Tampa Bay Juniors. Their time overseas saw them refine their offensive play with both enjoying standout seasons in Tampa. Austin recorded an impressive 49 points in 40 games, while Dawson contributed 42 points from 41 games.

Their return to British ice and subsequent move to Romford marks another key addition to the Raiders’ 2025/26 roster.

Head Coach Jason Buckman commented:

“I’m thrilled to welcome Austin Osborn and Dawson Osborn to the G&B!

Both players bring exceptional skill, work ethic, and a real team-first attitude — exactly the kind of character we look for at Raiders.

I’ve been impressed with their energy and professionalism since joining the group, and I’m confident they’ll make an immediate impact on and off the ice.

They have an ambition to develop and progress in their hockey careers and that will give us a lot more depth across the lineup, which can only make us stronger as a group. 

The Raiders welcome Austin and Dawson to the club and look forward to seeing them in action at Sapphire Ice and Leisure this season.

Interested in supporting Austin and Dawson Osborn or any of our 2025/26 announced players? 

Get involved through-

Player Business Sponsorship: marketing@romfordraiders.co.uk

Equipment Grid: equipmentsponorship@romfordraiders.co.uk

Own & Loan: ownandloan@romfordraiders.co.uk

Raiders Welcome Noah’s Big Charity as a Sponsor for the 2025/26 Season

The Raiders are proud to announce Noah’s Big Charity as an official sponsor for the upcoming 2025/26 season.

Founded in memory of Noah, the charity carries the message: “for small babies with big dreams.” Since 2013, Noah’s Big Charity has supported Neonatal Intensive Care at both The Royal London Hospital, London, and Basildon University Hospital, Essex.

The charity was established after Lydia (Noah’s mum) suffered a heart attack when she was just 24 weeks pregnant. Thanks to the dedication of a 52-strong medical team, both Lydia and Noah survived the ordeal. However, Basildon Hospital was not equipped to care for Noah, and he was transferred to Whitechapel. After 90 days of fighting bravely, Noah sadly passed away.

Since that time, Noah’s dad has devoted himself to fundraising for Basildon University Hospital, helping provide vital resources for families and babies in neonatal care.

By partnering with the Raiders, Noah’s Big Charity will gain a platform to raise awareness and encourage more people to support their vital work for babies and families going through the toughest of times.

We are honoured to welcome Noah’s Big Charity into the Raiders family. 

Fans and supporters can learn more and donate directly to Noah’s Big Charity at https://www.noahsbigcharity.com/.

The Raiders organisation are saddened at the news of the sudden passing of former Romford Raider Geoff Williams. Geoff was a key defensive member of the original Romford Raiders team, who  stormed to league glory in 1987/88 season.

Geoff began his hockey career in his local Solihull Barons team, before spells at Richmond Flyers, Lee Valley Lions and Medway Bears before joining Romford Raiders early in season 1987-88. In that initial season, Geoff scored 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points from just 18 appearances. Geoff iced for Romford for a further four seasons making a total of 198 appearances scoring 38 goals and 103 assists for 141 points. He was chosen to captain the Raiders in season 1989/90; and wore the “A” the following year.

Geoff retired from senior ice hockey at the end of the 1991/92 season. In his career spanning 10 years, Geoff made 317 appearances, scoreed 75 goals with 218 assists for a total of 293 points.

RIP Geoff

Romford Raiders & Romford Buccaneers Announce HD Teamwear as Official Apparel & Merchandise Partner

The Romford Raiders and Romford Buccaneers are excited to announce HD Teamwear as their official apparel & merchandise partner for the 2025/26 season. Fans can look forward to an expanded range of match-night merchandise and online options, ensuring they can proudly show their team spirit on and off the ice.

HD Teamwear, formerly known as HockeyDog, began as an ice hockey and skating store based in Peterborough. After its first year, the company quickly evolved to meet growing demand for custom sports apparel for local and national teams. Founder Kim Lane’s lifelong passion for sport drives the company’s commitment to excellence:

“I’ve played sports my entire life, and I crave the feeling of a win,” said Kim Lane, Founder of HD Teamwear. “That same drive fuels our business; getting orders out the door is my goal, a happy customer is my win, and seeing players proudly wear our gear is our championship moment.”

Through this new partnership, HD Teamwear will provide Raiders and Buccaneers fans with a variety of apparel and merchandise options. Supporters can purchase match-night merchandise at the rink or browse an even wider selection of items, styles, colours, and personalised items online.

Shop Now: romfordraiders.myshopify.com

Fans are encouraged to check back regularly online and on match night for seasonal, themed and newly added items.

Romford Raiders Confirm Backroom Staff for 2025/26 Season

Romford Raiders are pleased to confirm the backroom staff who will be working alongside Head Coach Jason Buckman for the 2025/26 season.

Joining Jason behind the bench are two familiar faces in the equipment manager roles – Richard Tomalin and Brendon Crowley.

Richard, who stepped into the role last season, continues the proud Tomalin legacy. Following in the footsteps of his late father Steve – a man who spent countless years manning the gate and looking after generations of Raiders – Richard has already made his mark in the role. A true Romford legend from his playing days at Rom Valley Way, Richard’s knowledge improves the off ice team.

Supporting him this season will be Brendon Crowley, another well-known face to Raiders fans. Brendon has been a dedicated supporter both in the stands and behind the scenes, stepping in last year as equipment manager for the Buccaneers. Still active on the ice himself with a local recreational side, Brendon now joins the Raiders staff team to bring his passion and commitment to the senior squad.

The medical team, vital in keeping players healthy and game-ready, will once again feature Erin Rose, alongside temporary cover from Bailey Brooks.

Erin had announced her retirement back in May to support her son Matty’s ice hockey journey. However, following an exciting summer in which see Matty scouted to Austria with the NHA, Erin has kindly agreed to return for Sunday fixtures.

Bailey, who recently completed her physiotherapy degree at King’s College London, will cover on a temporary basis when Erin is unavailable, including away games. With Bailey soon returning home to Canada for the next chapter of her career, Raiders will be seeking additional medical cover from mid-October onwards.

Head coach Jason Buckman commented “It’s great to have these guys returning, and Brendon as a new addition. 

The off-ice team is a fundamental part of game preparation for the players and ensuring they have everything they need to focus on their hockey. 

These guys know the club well, and have Raiders hockey at heart and I look forward to working alongside them”

The club would like to thank to Richard, Brendon, Erin and Bailey for their time, expertise and dedication to the Raiders family. We are delighted to have them supporting the team and look forward to working with them throughout the upcoming season.

From this season, all seats at the Sapphire will be reserved and numbered. This brings us in line with the rest of the NIHL, helps us manage capacity, and makes entry quicker for everyone.

If you don’t have a Season Ticket, you will now need to book your own tickets online, in advance, before entry.

You can book here to choose your seats at https://romfordraiders.ticketco.shop

If you arrive without a ticket, you will be asked to book one online using your phone at the door using the QR codes provided. If you do not book in advance:

You may be given randomly allocated seating on the night with little or no choice.

You’ll join the non-priority queue.

Entry and seat choice will always go first to fans who have booked online in advance.

If you sit in the wrong seat, you’ll be asked to move.

Assistance: Our volunteers and door staff will help anyone who really needs assistance, but if you can book your ticket in advance on your phone, we’d really appreciate it so we can help those that need it.

Away fans – please only book in the away block online. If that’s full, the next block will be made available.

Season Tickets – Still Available!

It’s not too late to grab your Season Ticket. Benefits include:

• Your favourite seat secured for every game
• Save money across the season
• Pay in instalments if you prefer
• Free live-stream access if you can’t make it
• Half-price entry to Buccaneers games
• And much more!

Get yours here: romfordraiders.co.uk/season-tickets/

Finally – You will notice there have been some changes to the reception area and the cafe and downstairs toilets have also been removed, which means there will no longer be a waiting area inside the building. This is outside of our control, but there is no need to arrive super early if you have bought your tickets already.

See you at the Sapphire – Thank you for your cooperation!

COYR!

Raiders Announce 2025/26 Jerseys – Home, Away & Special Warm-Up Edition

The Raiders are proud to unveil the official jerseys for the 2025/26 season – including our home, away, and a very special warm-up design.

For the first half of the season, the team will take to the ice in our classic white jersey at home and the dark jersey on the road, with the switch coming into effect on 1st January 2026 – when the dark jersey will become our home jersey, and the white will travel away. 

This year’s warm-up jersey is particularly close to our hearts. Designed in collaboration with our Charity of the Year, Team Daniel, the shirt reflects the creativity of our youngest Raiders supporters. Founder Emma Oliver and the Team Daniel committee judged the competition, but with so many outstanding entries, the choice proved impossible. In the end, twenty-three talented young fans were crowned winners. Their designs have been blended into one stunning warm-up jersey, which the Raiders will proudly wear throughout the season.

Fans can also look forward to themed jerseys being announced throughout the season, adding even more excitement to every game.

The 2025/26 home, away, and warm-up jerseys are available now to order via our online shop – don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Raiders history.