Category: Raiders

Bring On The Play Offs

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.

Jason Buckman Departs

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 Join The Raiders

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

Welcome Noah’s Big Charity

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, Londonand 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/.

GEOFF WILLIAMS

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