Category: Raiders

Tomalin Returns

Joe Tomalin Returns for 2025/26 Season

The Romford Raiders are thrilled to announce Joe Tomalin’s return for his second full-time season with the club.

The 17-year-old forward has already made significant strides in his career and is a proud product of the Romford development system. Joe returns to the Raiders following a great international campaign in April, where he represented Team GB U18s and played a key role in securing a Silver Medal at the IIHF Division II World Championships.

“Great to have Joe back this coming season, still only 17, nearly 18 and coming into his 2nd full season, said Head Coach Jason Buckman. He is the type of talent we need to keep at the club and develop playing the highest level, and I’m sure Joe will want to build on last year’s performances and make a bigger impact”

Joe also commented on his return, “I’m happy to be signing back with the Raiders next season, and I’m excited about the team Bucky is putting together. Can’t wait to give it my all this upcoming season and play in front of our amazing fans. I’m looking forward to getting back in the room with the guys and pushing to win some silverware this year

Join us in welcoming Joe back to the Raiders

Interested in supporting Joe Tomalin 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

Rider Back For 25/26

RAIDERS WELCOME BACK NETMINDER OWEN RIDER FOR 2025 SEASON

The Raiders are delighted to announce the return of 21-year-old netminder Owen Rider for the upcoming season.

Rider joined the Raiders partway through last season from the Invicta Dynamos and quickly became a vital part of the team. Called into action during a critical stretch plagued by injuries, the young goalie rose to the challenge with confidence beyond his years.

Displaying poise under pressure, Rider posted an impressive .88% save average, stepping up when the team needed him most. His performances between the pipes earned the respect of teammates and fans alike.

Head Coach Jason Buckman commented: “Having Owen back is a real boost for Romford and strengthens our Netminder core. He showed last season that when he is needed to step up, he is more than capable and plays with confidence. I believe he will improve even more this season working alongside Cole Ceci and it fills me as coach with confidence we have a solid partnership of goaltending”

The Raiders look forward to seeing more of Rider this season.

Welcome back, Owen!

Interested in supporting Owen Rider 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 Land Ceci

Raiders Land Elite Goaltender Cole Ceci in Major Signing!

The Romford Raiders are thrilled to announce the signing of 6ft 3’ elite goaltender Cole Ceci from the Evansville Thunderbolts! Ceci arrives in Romford fresh off an electrifying postseason run, where he was crowned MVP of the President’s Cup Playoffs and backstopped his team to championship glory with a staggering .938 save percentage.

Known for his unshakable composure under pressure and an ability to steal games single-handedly. Ceci was phenomenal during Evansville’s playoff charge, keeping out wave after wave of opposition attacks, delivering highlight-reel saves and proving why he’s one of the most coveted goaltenders.

Before his championship-winning run with the Thunderbolts, Ceci built a strong resume across North American junior and college hockey, including standout stints in the ECHL and USports. His sharp progression through the ranks has made him a fan favourite wherever he’s played—and a nightmare for opposing teams.

“It’s great to have Cole commit to Romford this coming season,” said Raiders head coach Jason Buckman. “He’s coming off the back of being voted MVP as well as winning the Playoffs for Evansville in the SPHL. His attitude. Work ethic and mentality to compete every night is exactly what we are looking for at the club, and I’m sure he will turn out to be a fans favourite with the Gold & Blue”.

Cole Ceci added, “I’m very excited to come to the UK and join the Raiders. I’m looking forward to helping win some hockey games this season and hopefully bring a championship to Romford.“

Welcome to Romford, Cole Ceci.

Interested in supporting Cole Ceci 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

Thank You Ethan

After five incredible seasons between the pipes, we announce that Ethan James will not be returning for the 2025/26 season.

Ethan has been a cornerstone of our team, showing unwavering dedication, loyalty, and passion every time he stepped onto the ice. 

On behalf of the entire organisation, we thank Ethan for everything he has given to the club and our supporters. We wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.

Thank you, Ethan.

Olegs Is Back

DUAL NATIONAL FORWARD OLEGS LASCENKO JOINS THE RAIDERS

Romford Raiders are thrilled to announce the signing of dual-national forward Olegs Lascenko. The 27-year-old Latvian brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the team, having honed his craft across multiple leagues and countries.

Lascenko, born in Latvia, developed through the respected Romford youth development system before embarking on a journey that has seen him ice for teams across the UK, including Chelmsford, Bracknell, and Romford. His career has been marked by a strong work ethic, smart playmaking, and a physical edge that makes him a constant threat on the ice.

Over the past four seasons, Lascenko has been in the UAE, representing clubs in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. His time in the Emirates has helped further refine his game while adding international experience. 

Lascenko commented, “Really happy to be back in Romford again playing for the Gold & Blue, can’t wait to get started this coming season”.

Jason Buckman, Head Coach, said, Great to have Olegs back in Romford, he recently moved back after some time away, and his style will fit perfectly into this Raiders lineup.  He plays with heart, desire and never quit attitude, and that’s exactly what people love to see

Welcome to the team, Olegs!

Interested in supporting Olegs Lascenko or any of our 2025/26 announced players?
Get involved through:

• Player Business Sponsorship: marketing@romfordraiders.co.uk

• Equipment Grid: equipmentsponsorship@romfordraiders.co.uk

• Own & Loan: ownandloan@romfordraiders.co.uk