You can purchase your season tickets now for the 2024-25 season via the below links.
Single Payment: https://romfordraiders.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/full_season_tickets
Two Instalments: https://romfordraiders.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/romford_raiders_1st_half_season_tickets_valid_til_15th_december
Any queries please email seasontickets@romfordraiders.co.uk
The Romford Raiders are delighted to announce the signing of Jake Sylvester, who is returning to the team for the 2024/25 season. Sylvester’s re-signing marks a significant moment for the Raiders as they look to build on last season’s successes and strive for new heights.
Jake Sylvester, a dynamic forward known for his exceptional skill and sharp shooting, is set to bring his experience and passion back to the Raiders. Having previously played with the team, Sylvester’s return is highly anticipated by fans, teammates, and the entire Raiders organisation.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Jake back to the Romford Raiders,” said Raiders Director Sean Barry. “Jake’s talent, dedication, and understanding of our team’s ethos make him an invaluable asset. His return is not just about adding strength to our lineup but also about inspiring our younger players and leading by example.”
Sylvester has been a firm fan favourite, known for his impressive stats and ability to perform under pressure. Last season, he demonstrated his prowess with 40 goals and 24 assists, making him a key player for the upcoming season.
“I am thrilled to be returning to Romford,” said Jake Sylvester. “The Sapphire feels like home to me, and I can’t wait to get back on the ice with my teammates. I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities this season will bring, and I’m committed to giving my best to help the team succeed.”
The Raiders have been working diligently during the offseason to strengthen their squad and ensure they are well-prepared for the 2024/25 season. Sylvester’s signing is a testament to the club’s commitment to building a competitive and exciting team.
Fans can look forward to seeing Jake Sylvester and the rest of the Raiders in action when the season kicks off on 31st August in a doubleheader vs the Peterborough Phantoms. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as the team prepares for an exciting and promising season ahead.
Tickets are on sale now! https://romfordraiders.ticketco.events/uk/en
KIDS FOR A QUID – with a paying Adult
Romford, UK – The Romford Raiders are excited to announce a thrilling pre-season interleague challenge doubleheader of friendly ice hockey matches against Kent neighbours, the Invicta Dynamos. Fans can look forward to these back to back encounters, with Raiders hosting the second leg on Sunday 8th September, 2024, with a 5:15 PM face-off at the Raiders’ home venue, Sapphire Ice & Leisure. Doors open at 4.30pm.
The Invicta Dynamos have recently signed former Raiders captain Aaron Connolly and netminder Brad Windebank who also join Callum Burnett and Dan Scott. The Romford Raiders are equally eager to showcase their new players and provide fans with an exhilarating preview of the upcoming season.
Match Details:
Ticket Information: Tickets for this match are now on sale and can be purchased online only. There will be no cash sales on the door. Fans are encouraged to buy their tickets early to secure their seats and be part of these electrifying pre-season encounters.
“We want the Gold and Blue Army to get behind the Romford Raiders and make some noise – we know the Dynamos will have a loud travelling support so this is sure to be a busy game.” said Romford Raiders’ Player Coach Adam Laishram. “We are looking forward to welcoming back some old Romford favourites but we won’t be doing them any favours on the ice. The matches against the Invicta Dynamos will continue our pre-season with a chance for the Romford faithful to give some ex Raiders the send off they deserve.”
Invicta Dynamos’ Kevin Parrish added, “Playing against the Raiders for the first time in five years will be a perfect start to the Dynamos new season. The potential battle of the ex raiders will be a really exciting prospect with both teams having a lot to prove on the ice.”
Aaron Connolly added “I’m really excited these games are going ahead, it’s an old-school rivalry that I remember watching as a kid so I’m sure it’ll have that extra spice to it. It’s a good opportunity for both teams, it’ll be a big challenge for us, and hopefully give the new look Raiders a chance to blow off some cobwebs.
On a personal note it’ll be strange for me now I have moved on but the Raiders are looking strong and I’m grateful that I get the chance to say goodbye to all those that stuck with us for the last 6 years”.
Brad Windebank said “I wasn’t expecting to be back at the Sapphire so soon, but it should be good to play against some of my old teammates. It’s a rivalry that goes back many years so it’ll be good to bring this back for the fans. I look forward to seeing everyone again for a catch up.”
Fun Facts:
Last game v Invicta was on 9/2/19 when Raiders won away in a league game 5-1.
Last home game vs Invicta at Sapphire was 20/1/19 when Raiders won 8-3
The former GB Junior Ethan James becomes the Raiders first netminder to be signed by coach Adam Laishram for the 2024/25 season.
An elite netminder in the National League, at 25 years of age he continues to improve year on year. He’s known for his quick glove saves but he demonstrates a variety of skills on the ice. With great speed between the pipes, James is definitely a key signing for the team.
Ethan has played 202 games for the Raiders and counting, racking up 9,135 minutes with a save percentage of 88.58% across his Raiders career, including 2 shutouts. He has also tallied 15 assists, showcasing his elite passing skills.
James played a majority of the games last season, clocking up 2,556 minutes, leading to an 88.75% save percentage from 1,395 shots faced.
Ethan is an influential player in the Romford Raiders team and as proven before has won the team games, leading us to a Coventry Play-off final.
“It always feels good to be playing in Romford after playing here when I was young. To be able to say you’re playing at your childhood club is special.
There are always going to be pros and cons either going or staying at a club which you need to weigh up, but being part of the Raiders is something that I didn’t want to leave. The team spirit in the room is something which is going to push us this season.
A special mention to the fans who have stuck with us these last couple of tough months. Thank you as always to those who come week in week out to support, when times were tough during the season you stuck by us and you’re supporting the team now.
Having the crowd sizes we did towards the end of the season definitely helped push us during the playoffs last year. It would be amazing to get the Sapphire that busy going fresh into the season.
Have faith in the team that Adam is building, it’s going to be a good season and I for one am excited to be back at the Sapphire wearing gold and blue.”
The Planet Ice National Ice Hockey League (PINIHL) is excited to unveil the structure and
fixture format for the 2024/25 season. With a focus on maintaining the thrilling competition
that fans have come to love, the upcoming season will feature familiar elements with a few
exciting changes to enhance the experience for both players and spectators.
Season Structure and Key Dates
The 2024/25 PINIHL National Ice Hockey season will see 11 teams compete in a broadly
unchanged format from previous years. Teams will face each other three times at home and
three times away. As before, each team will drop three home and three away fixtures,
resulting in a total of 54 games for the regular season. The table of the number of times each
team plays is at the end of this release.
Cup Competition
This season, the cup competition will see a streamlined format, making it even more intense
and engaging. The qualifying stage will consist of 10 games instead of the previous 20. Each
team will play every other team once, resulting in 5 home and 5 away games. The semi-
finals and finals of the cup competition (both over 2 legs home and away) will aim to be
completed by the end of December, subject to fixture availability.
Ticket Sales and Announcements
Pre-season games will be announced very soon, followed by the release of full fixtures.
Tickets will go on sale later in the summer, ensuring fans have ample opportunity to secure
their spots for the must-see matchups.
We encourage all fans to stay connected with their favourite teams through social media and
their official websites throughout the summer for the latest updates and announcements.
Stay tuned for an exhilarating season of NIHL National Ice Hockey as we build on our legacy
and continue to bring the best of ice hockey action to fans across the country.
Good luck to Leeds who will look to defend their League title, Peterborough who will aim to
repeat their Playoff win, and Milton Keynes who will want to keep their hands on the cup!
