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 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

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!