Romford Raiders & Romford Buccaneers Announce TeamDaniel as Official Charity Partner for 2025/26 Season

The Romford Raiders & Buccaneers are proud to announce that TeamDaniel will be the club’s official charity for the 2025/26 season. This partnership holds a particularly heartfelt significance as it honours the memory of Daniel, son and grandson of long-time Raiders and Buccaneers supporter,Emma Oliver and Patrick Napier.

In February 2017, at just 15 years old, Daniel tragically took his own life due to the overwhelming pressure of his GCSE exams. During this time of unimaginable grief, the family found vital support from Martin House Hospice and Leeds General Infirmary. Out of this grief, TeamDaniel was born — a tribute built to raise awareness and funds for Martin House Hospice and Leeds General Infirmary.

In January 2020, TeamDaniel officially became a registered charity dedicated to raising awareness around the mental health struggles facing children and young people. The organisation works tirelessly to open safe spaces in Leeds and London, providing positive activities for young people and partner with key support groups such as Leeds Market Place, who specialise in youth counselling and a youth work-led drop-in support service. 

TeamDaniel also plays an active role in schools, addressing the academic stress that can be had on students, particularly during high-pressure periods such as exams. Through workshops, awareness campaigns, and signposting to vital mental health services, they are making a real and lasting difference in young lives.

As part of this season’s partnership, TeamDaniel will sponsor the Raiders’ & Buccs Home Penalty Box, providing a constant reminder throughout the season of the importance of mental health awareness, symbolising the charity’s mission — to bring visibility to silent struggles and provide a safe space for conversations that can save lives.

Patrick Napier said ”A massive thank you to the Raiders and Buccaneers for partnering with TeamDaniel this coming season. 

My family and I have been supporting the Raiders for a number of years, including my grandson Daniel, whom I brought along on a number of occasions with his sister when they visited from Leeds.”

Patrick continues, “This partnership will help us raise awareness of the work TeamDaniel does in Daniel’s memory and help us fundraise in the future so we can keep supporting young people’s mental wellbeing.”

We’re truly honoured to stand alongside Emma, Patrick and everyone at TeamDaniel. Throughout the 2025/26 season, the Raiders & Buccs will be hosting a range of fundraising events, and will be wearing TeamDaniel warm-up jerseys all year to drive awareness and raise funds for this incredible cause. We encourage fans and businesses to get involved and help support the understanding and positive change in mental health.

For more information about TeamDaniel and to donate, please visit https://www.teamdaniel.org.uk

Hill Returns to Romford!

The Romford Raiders are thrilled to announce the signing of British forward Ewan Hill, who returns to the Romford following a season with the Bristol Pitbulls.

A familiar face to the Romford’s Gold & Blue, Hill’s journey began his senior hockey career here in Romford, where he played both the Romford Raiders NIHL2 and captained the Romford Raiders U18s during the 2018/19 season. His leadership, skills, and passion quickly propelled him to the Raiders NIHL1 the following season.

After impressing in his early years at Romford, Hill ventured abroad to further his development, icing for Sweden’s division 2 – Solleftea HK before joining the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings in the USPHL Premier League in the United States. Upon returning to the UK, he signed with the London-based Streatham RedHawks before reuniting with the then-head coach Jason Buckman of the Romford Buccaneers, where he made a significant impact both on and off the ice.

Hill has relentless drive, skilful playmaking, and leadership qualities. His performances last season with Bristol only cemented his status as one of the NIHL’s standout talents.

Commenting on the signing, Head Coach Jason Buckman said:
“Pleased to have Ewan back in Romford this coming season, he had a great finish to the season last time out in Romford with the Buccaneers and followed it up with a solid season at Bristol. 

He is still young and will look to build on last season and establish himself as a top centre in the National League! He has good size and work rate, and I think he will fit straight into the lineup with the experience he gained last year, and I will be looking to him to build on that.”

Ewan Hill added:
“I’m extremely excited to be back at Romford this season. After a few years away, it was undoubtedly an easy decision for me to return home. I’m looking forward to wearing the gold and blue again and playing in front of the amazing fans!”

The Raiders are extremely pleased to announce the Hill’s return to the Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre, where he’ll once again pull on the Gold & Blue jersey in what promises to be an exciting season ahead.

Welcome back, Ewan!

Interested in supporting Ewan Hill 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

Tjay Anderson Returns for Fifth Season

The Romford Raiders are thrilled to announce the return of last season’s Most Improved Player, Tjay Anderson, for his fifth campaign in Gold and Blue.

Still only 20 years old, Tjay has already become a key figure for the Raiders, having made 180 appearances across all competitions since making his debut against Milton Keynes Lightning in September 2021. Over that time, he’s tallied an impressive 70 goals and 96 assists, giving him 166 points. Tjay is also the only player to have surpassed 100 points for both the Raiders and the Buccaneers—an incredible feat that highlights his consistency and impact.

His breakout season came last year, when he was the top-scoring British player for the Raiders with a career-best 95 points (31 goals, 64 assists). His assist total was just four shy of the team-high, set by Shaun Miller, marking a huge leap forward in his offensive contributions.

Head coach Jason Buckman said: ‘Really good to have TJay back for the next 2 seasons, I’ve seen him grow from juniors into the Buccaneers and now an important player on the Raiders roster.   His passion and drive to improve and be the best he can is what I look for from the younger players.’

Buckman continues ‘After having another good year last season, I will look for TJay to take another step forward in his development and push himself again this coming season.’

Welcome back, Tjay—we’re excited to see what the future holds!

Interested in supporting Tjay Anderson 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

With Deepest Sadness – In Memory of Graham Ayliffe

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Graham Ayliffe – a beloved member of the Raiders family and proud father of Raiders stalwart Brandon Ayliffe.

We learned of this tragic loss from his loving wife Tanya, who asked us to share the following message with our Gold & Blue faithful:

“Well… our world has crumbled around us yesterday. I don’t even have the correct words for this… But to write these words is breaking us all.
Graham Ayliffe passed away with his beautiful family by his side… he took a turn for the worse and went to sleep peacefully.
Please keep us all in your love, thoughts, and prayers — as a family, we are truly broken with this unexpected passing.”

Graham was a constant presence, home and away – always supporting Brandon and embodying the true spirit of the Raiders community. His warmth, loyalty, and unwavering passion will never be forgotten.

We know the entire Raiders family will join us in sending our deepest condolences to Tanya, Brandon, Shanice, the grandchildren and all who knew and loved Graham.

Funeral details will be shared in due course.
Rest in peace, Graham. You will be deeply missed.

Romford Raiders Welcome Canadian Defenceman Jarrett Baker

The Romford Raiders are thrilled to announce the signing of Canadian defenceman Jarrett Baker for the upcoming season.

Baker, 24, developed through the competitive Canadian system, and he established himself as a dependable presence on the blue line. He joins the Raiders from Dalhousie University, where he spent the last four seasons. Before this, Baker spent five seasons at the highest tier of junior hockey in Eastern Canada, which serves as a development pathway for athletes aspiring to professional careers, particularly in the NHL.

The 6ft, left-shooting blueliner brings a strong two-way game, solid defensive awareness, and a calm presence on the ice. The no-nonsense defenceman adds stability and depth to the Raiders’ defensive core.

Head Coach Jason Buckman commented on the signing:
“It’s great to have Jarrett commit to the Gold & Blue. He comes highly recommended and will bring a big presence to the blue line.

Jarrett plays a physical game but can also be an offensive threat, and I will look for him to lead the D-core and be an important part of the roster this coming season“

Baker is eager to make his mark in the UK, commenting:
“I’m super excited to sign with the Raiders. This is an incredible opportunity for me in my life and hockey career. I’ve heard amazing things about the organisation, especially the fans. I’m looking forward to meeting all the guys and getting things started in England.”

The Romford Raiders welcome Jarrett to the team and look forward to seeing him hit the ice in blue and gold. Interested in sponsoring Jarrett 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