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 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

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.

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

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