Planet Ice NIHL National League Fixtures Confirmed for 2025/26 Season

The wait is over for ice hockey fans across the UK as the 2025/26 PINIHL National League fixtures are officially released today.

This season’s PINIHL National Cup will follow the same successful format as last year, with each team playing five home and five away games, providing even more high-level competition throughout the season. The top four teams will then progress to home and away semi-finals, with the top seed selecting their opponent. The winners will go on to face each other in a two-legged final.

The regular season gets underway on the weekend of 20th/21st September, launching what promises to be another thrilling campaign across the league. Opening night features a full schedule of action with five games on Saturday and five more on Sunday:

Saturday 20th September 2025

• Swindon vs Solway – 18:30 (League)

• Milton Keynes vs Bristol – 19:00 (League)

• Basingstoke vs Romford – 18:30 (League/Cup)

• Sheffield vs Hull – 19:00 (League/Cup)

• Leeds vs Telford – 18:30 (League/Cup)

Sunday 21st September 2025

• Bristol vs Solway – 17:00 (League)

• Telford vs Milton Keynes – 18:00 (League/Cup)

• Hull vs Swindon – 17:30 (League)

• Romford vs Sheffield – 17:15 (League)

• Peterborough vs Leeds – 17:30 (League/Cup

The regular season will run through to Sunday 22nd March 2026, with eleven teams competing for playoff positions and the league title. The PINIHL National Playoffs will follow immediately over the next three weekends with the top 8 teams in the regular season going head to head for a place in the always-popular Coventry Finals Weekend, confirmedfor 18th & 19th April 2026 at the Skydome Arena.

With intense rivalries, new player signings, and silverware up for grabs, the 2025/26 PINIHL National League campaign is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet.

Keep an eye on your club’s official channels and the PINIHL website for ticket details, broadcast info, and more.

Callum Burnett Steps Up to Raiders for 2025/26 Season

The Raiders are excited to announce defenceman Callum Burnett will be making the step up from the Romford Buccaneers to join the Raiders roster for the 2025/26 season.

A familiar face to Romford hockey, Callum made a significant impact with the Buccaneers during the latter part of last season. Now, he returns to the Gold and Blue with renewed energy and ambition, ready to make his mark at the National League level.

Callum began his junior hockey career as a Slough Jet, and while his senior career has seen brief spells with Chelmsford, Streatham, and Invicta. He has spent the majority of his careerproudly wearing Gold and Blue, making 137 appearances in all competitions for the Raiders.

Commenting on his return to the Raiders, Callum said:

“I’m very happy about coming back to the Raiders and putting the jersey back on! After some time away, it will be a good feeling playing again in front of the Gold and Blue Army. I’m looking forward to what the season has in store for us as a team and how I can be a part of it again.”

Head Coach Jason Buckman also shared his thoughts on the addition:

“It’s great to have Callum back in the Raiders lineup. A few seasons in NIHL1 have really helped Callum grow his game, and with National League experience already under his belt—and still only 24—I think he can slot perfectly back into the team and be a solid defenceman.”

The Raiders welcome Callum back with open arms and look forward to seeing him back on the ice, contributing to what promises to be an exciting season ahead.

Interested in supporting Callum Burnett 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 Announce Pre-Season Games Including Clash with Les Bisons!

The countdown to the 2025/26 season begins now, and we’re thrilled to kick things off with an exciting series of pre-season games, including an international exhibition game!

On Friday, 5th September, the Romford Raiders will host Neuilly Sur Marne- “AKA, Les Bisons” at the Sapphire Ice & Leisure, with face-off at 7:15 PM. The French side, from the FFHG Division 1 league, promises to bring fast-paced, European hockey to Romford in a fixture that’s sure to entertain.

Raiders have a proud history of welcoming international teams to Romford, dating back to 1987, when we first faced Swedish side A.I.G Kagedalens in a narrow 7–8 defeat. Since then, we’ve been honoured to host teams from Switzerland, Canada, Finland, Australia, Ukraine, and the USA, each bringing a unique style of play to the ice.

Hosting exhibition games like these allows our fans and players to witness and compete against different hockey cultures, and we’re excited to welcome Les Bisons to Romford.

Franck Spinozzi, General Manager of Les Bisons, shared his enthusiasm for the event:

“We’re really pleased to announce that we’ll be travelling to UK to face both the Peterborough Phantoms and the Romford Raiders. It’s a great opportunity for our club to expand our preparation, experience a different style of hockey, and test ourselves against quality opposition.

These games are an important part of our preseason build-up. Competing internationally helps our group grow on and off the ice, and we’re proud to represent our club in these kinds of matchups.”

But the international action is just the beginning…

Hot after our clash with Les Bisons, we face back-to-back games against Milton Keynes Lightning. We travel to Buckinghamshire on Saturday 6th September, face-off 7 PM, which is followed by the return leg on Sunday 7th September at the Sapphire, face-off at 5:15 PM. Last season’s encounters with MK were full of energy and intensity — the perfect matchup to warm up for the new campaign.

To round out our pre-season, we’ll face off against long-standing rivals, the Peterborough Phantoms. We welcome them to Romford on Saturday 13th September (face-off 5:15 PM), then travel to theirbarn on Sunday 14th September, with face-off at 5:30 PM.

Please note: Pre-season games are not included in your season ticket, but you will be able to purchase your reserved seat.
We are fast approaching puck drop on a brand-new season — make sure to mark these dates in your diary and secure your tickets from Friday! 

Let’s fill the Sapphire and get ready for another unforgettable season of Raiders hockey!

Raiders Launch Charity Jersey Design Competition in Partnership with Team Daniel

Each year, the Raiders proudly partner with a charity to create a special edition warm-up jersey and this year we are honoured to be supporting be supporting Team Daniel, a cause close to many hearts.

Team Daniel was created in memory of 15-year-old Daniel, whose life was tragically cut short in 2017. The charity was founded by his family and friends to raise awareness around mental health and exam stress, as well as to support Martin House Children’s Hospice – who provided Daniel’s family with care and compassion during the most difficult time.

To mark this meaningful partnership, we are launching a Jersey Design Competition – and we’re calling on the children of the Raiders to get involved!

We want to see creativity, colour, and compassion. Think outside the box. Embody the message of Team Daniel: hope, love, and the importance of looking after your mental health.

Competition opens: Monday 30th June
Deadline: Saturday 5th July, 11:59PM

The winning design, selected by Team Daniel, will be worn by our team throughout the 2025/26 season during warm-ups!

We have provided a template for you to use here, but if you’d prefer to use something else or draw your own from scratch – feel free! This is a chance for you to showcase your individuality and creativity. We can’t wait to see the entries!

In addition, we’d love to feature the names and portraits of our Raiders children on the final jersey. If you’d like your first name or a self-portrait to be included, please email or DM us a clear photograph of your submission.

Together, let’s create something truly special- in memory of Daniel, and in support of everyone who might be silently struggling.

For more information, submissions, or media enquiries:
socialmedia@romfordraiders.co.uk

Terms and conditions apply.

Eligibility:Open to children aged under 18 only.
Entrants must have permission from a parent or guardian to participate.

Submission Requirements
Designs must be original, creative, and reflect the values of Team Daniel (mental health awareness, kindness, hope, etc.).
Submissions must be received by 11:59PM on Saturday 5th July 2025 via email to socialmedia@romfordraiders.co.uk

Winner Selection:

One winning design will be selected by Team Daniel and the Raiders organisation.

The winning design may be edited or adapted to suit jersey printing requirements.

Usage Rights:By entering the competition, participants (and their parent/guardian) agree that all submitted designs become the intellectual property of the Romford Raiders.
The Raiders reserve the right to use, reproduce, publish, and share the designs across digital and physical media, including the final warm-up jersey and promotional materials.

No Compensation:The winning designer will receive recognition, but no financial compensation will be given.
The final jersey may include the names and/or portraits of other children who submit additional artwork as part of the initiative.

Safeguarding & Privacy:

Children’s first names may appear on the jersey (with parental consent), but no personal details will be shared publicly.
Portraits or drawings submitted may be stylised or simplified before being printed.

ADAM LAISHRAM RETURNS TO THE RAIDERS FOR 2025/26 SEASON

The Romford Raiders are thrilled to announce that Canadian forward Adam Laishram will be returning for the 2025/26 season, this time focusing solely on his role as a player.

After stepping up as Head Coach last season and navigating a campaign plagued by injury, Laishram is eager to get back to what he does best: scoring goals and playing high-impact hockey. A fan favourite and a top import in the league, Laishram is determined to make his fourth season in Romford one to remember.

His standout 2023/24 season saw him rack up an impressive 99 points, underlining his quality and importance to the team. With his leadership, experience, and scoring touch, his return adds firepower and depth to the Raiders’ offensive lineup.

Head Coach Jason Buckman commented: “Really pleased to have Laish back this coming season. He had a tough year last season with a couple of injuries, and I know he is eager to come back fully fit and be the impact player he can be. When on his game, he’s a top import in the league. When we spoke early in the summer, he stressed he didn’t want to leave — he enjoys playing in Romford and can’t wait to get going in September.”

Laishram himself shared his excitement about the upcoming season: “I’m really excited to be back in Romford next season. I’m looking forward to focusing fully on playing and finding my best form. I can’t wait to get back on the ice with the lads and give everything for the club and our amazing fans. See you all in September!”

Welcome back, Laish 

Interested in supporting Adam Laishram 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