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.