Category: Raiders

Max Joins Raiders

Hot Prospect Max Van Mullem Joins Raiders on a Two-Way for 2025/26

The Romford Raiders are thrilled to announce 17-year-old goaltender Max Van Mullem will be joining on a two-way agreement with the Romford Buccaneers.

Max has already turned heads across the league with his calm presence in the crease and lightning-fast reflexes. Boasting an impressive .89% save average, he has consistently shown he has the ability to step up and deliver starter-level performances far beyond his years.

This exciting prospect will benefit from working alongside Raiders’ experienced duo Cole Ceci and Owen Rider, giving him the perfect environment to sharpen his skills and develop into one of British hockey’s brightest young talents.

Raiders Head Coach Jason Buckman said:
It’s really important to retain young talent like Max, talented British goalies are few and far between, and to keep Max at Romford is key.  He will learn so much alongside Owen and Cole, and I can only see him going from strength to strength this year.”

Interested in supporting Max Van Mullem 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

Tommy Hugget Returns

Romford Raiders Confirm Return of Tommy Huggett for 2025/26 Season

The Romford Raiders are delighted to announce that forward Tommy Huggett will return for the 2025/26 season. The 23-year-old will be embarking on his seventh season as a Raider.

Since breaking into the senior team as a teenager, Huggett has established himself as a key part of the Raiders’ line-up. To date, he has made 203 appearances for the club.

Head Coach Jason Buckman welcomed Huggett’s return, saying:

It’s great having Tommy back on the roster. I believe he can make a significant contribution to this team and play a key role. Playing to his strengths will be key for him this season, and I expect him to build on his performance from last year.”

Huggett’s return adds further depth and experience to the Raiders’ roster as announcements continue for the 2025/26 season.

Interested in supporting Tommy Huggett 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

AYLIFFE’S BACK FOR MORE

RAIDERS WELCOME BACK IRONMAN BRANDON AYLIFFE FOR 9TH SEASON

The Romford Raiders are proud to announce the return of Brandon Ayliffe for his ninth consecutive season in Gold and Blue on a two year contract.

A fan favourite and one of the most consistent and dedicated players in the organisation’s history, Brandon was rightfully acclaimed last season as the Raiders Ironman, having played an astonishing 387 consecutive games over 7 seasons — a testament to his resilience, commitment, and love for the club.

Not only did Brandon continue his unbroken streak last year, but he also delivered his best statistical season to date, racking up 49 points and proving once again he’s not just about heart and hustle, but a serious offensive threat too.

A product of the Romford hockey, Brandon brings energy, speed, and unmatched work ethic every game — values that perfectly reflect what it means to be a Raider.

Head Coach Jason Buckman said:
“When I spoke to Brandon early in the summer he made it clear there is nowhere else he would rather play! His commitment, energy and the points he brings to the table is invaluable for Raiders!

So pleased he has committed for the next 2 years.”

Brandon commented “It’s great to be back, can’t wait to see you guys in Sapphire making the arena loud and proud. I just want to get started, the season can’t come quick enough. I feel like last year I let my self down, I set goals for myself for the season and I wasn’t happy with it, this season I’m going to push harder for the same goals I set myself. I’ve been talking to Bucky through the summer I like ideas his bringing in this year, to be competitive through season. On that note I’ll see you guys in September”

Welcome back, Brandon!

Interested in supporting Brandon Ayliffe 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

Marco Pascale Returns

Marco Pascale Returns for Fourth Season with the Raiders

The Raiders are delighted to announce the return of 21-year-old defenceman Marco Pascale for his fourth season with the club.

A product of the Romford Academy, Pascale progressed through the ranks before stepping up to the Raiders from the Buccaneers. Since joining the National League roster, he has become a reliable presence on the blue line and continues to develop as one of the league’s promising young defencemen. To date, Pascale has already made 138 appearances in Gold & Blue, underlining his value to the team’s defensive core.

Pascale said, “I’m excited to sign with the Raiders again this season and be part of a club with such competitive spirit. I can’t wait to get started with the team, wear the jersey, compete and hear the fans with the passion and energy they bring. Look forward to seeing you all in September. Enjoy your summer.”

Head Coach Jason Buckman is equally pleased to have Pascale back in the fold:

“Getting Marco back was really important for the D-core this year. He has shown since moving up from the Buccs that he is an emerging talent in the National League. I will look to him to build on last year and really push himself to that next level that he can achieve.”

The Raiders faithful can look forward to seeing Pascale back on the ice this September as the team continues preparations for an exciting new season.

Interested in supporting Marco Pascale 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

2025/26 Fixtures

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.