Jake Sylvester Returns to Gold & Blue on 2-Year Deal

Experienced Forward Set for 9th Season After Notching 83 Points Across League and Play-Offs

The Romford Raiders are proud to announce the return of forward Jake Sylvester, who has signed a 2 year deal ahead of the upcoming season.  This marks Sylvester’s 9th season with the Gold & Blue, reaffirming his place as one of the club’s most consistent and respected players. Jake’s has made 382 appearances for the Raiders and scored 424 points over the 8 seasons.

Throughout the regular 2024/25 league and play-off campaigns, Sylvester has proven to be a key contributor on both ends of the ice, tallying a fantastic 48 goals and 35 assists for a combined 83 points. Known for his leadership, work ethic, and clutch performances, Sylvester remains a fan favourite and a driving force within the locker room and on the ice.

Head Coach Jason Buckman commented, “I am excited to welcome Jake back to the Romford Raiders for the next 2 years.  Jake has proven he is a key player to the Raiders and has the talent, dedication, and understanding of our team that make him an invaluable asset we need to keep.

His return not only adds strength and firepower to our lineup, but he also can inspire our younger players and lead by example, demonstrating his importance to the squad for the upcoming season”

Sylvester’s return ensures a strong presence as the team looks to build on recent momentum and aim for further success this season.

Interested in supporting Jake Sylvester 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

Captain Jack Cooper Returns for 2025/26 Season

We’re kicking off the 2025/26 signing campaign with the announcement — Captain Jack Cooper is back!

As we gear up to celebrate his upcoming testimonial game and mark an incredible 12 seasons in senior hockey with the Romford/London Raiders, there’s no better way to start the festivities than by announcing that Coops is returning for another year in Gold & Blue.

With 513 games already under his belt for the Raiders, Jack’s loyalty means he is now ranked 2^nd in league appearances. The grit and determination on the ice see Jack hit a career high in gaining 24 points (2 goals and 22 assists), and the commitment to the club and his teammates is second to none, and his influence in the dressing room and on the ice is immeasurable.

Head Coach Jason Buckman had this to say:
“I’m happy to confirm Jack is back for the forthcoming season. He led by example last year in his first year as captain and is someone who’s the perfect fit for Raiders hockey. His straightforward, no-nonsense approach and great attitude can only lead this team from the front. His leadership qualities on and off the ice are exactly what I look for — he’s someone the younger guys can look up to and the more experienced players want as a role model captain.”

Make sure you join Coops, along with his past and present teammates, in celebrating a decade of dedication as a Raider and welcoming #14 back for another season.

Jack’s Testimonial Details: Saturday 3^rd May, doors open: 4.30 PM, Face-off: 5.15 PM at the Sapphire Ice & Leisure

Purchase your tickets Here

Planet Ice NIHL National League Announces Increase in Import Player Limit for 2025/26 Season

The Planet Ice NIHL National League (PINIHL) is pleased to announce a key update ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 season: teams will now be permitted to roster four non-British trained players, an increase from the previous limit of three.

This decision marks a significant step forward in the league’s continued growth and ambition to raise the standard of competition across the UK’s premier semi-professional ice hockey league.

“The Planet Ice NIHL National League is always striving to become bigger and better,” said a league spokesperson. “We believe that increasing the number of import players will not only raise the quality of play on the ice but also enhance the experience for fans, players, and clubs alike.”

The change will come into effect at the start of the 2025/26 season, giving clubs the flexibility to strengthen their squads and attract even more high-calibre talent from around the world. By allowing an additional non-British trained player per team, the league aims to drive faster-paced games, sharpen competition, and continue its upward trajectory as a must-watch product within British hockey.

Supporting Growth and Development
While the league welcomes elite international talent, the commitment to developing British players remains a core value. The increased import limit is intended to complement domestic development by raising overall standards and fostering a more competitive environment, ultimately benefiting British-trained players and the national game.

With passionate fans, dedicated clubs, and the continued support of title sponsor Planet Ice, the NIHL National League continues to establish itself as one of the most exciting and progressive hockey leagues in the UK.

Stay connected for more updates on the 2025/26 season.

The Romford Raiders are delighted to announce the appointment of Jason Buckman as the new Head Coach.

Buckman is no stranger to the Raiders’ faithful. A former stalwart defenceman, he proudly wore the Raiders jersey for five successful seasons, lifting silverware throughout his time with the club, playing at both Rom Valley Way and Lee Valley. He was an integral part of the historic team that played the final game at the iconic Rom Valley Way Ice Rink — a moment etched in Raiders fans’ memories and the history of the club.

Over the past three seasons, Buckman has been behind the bench as Head Coach of the Romford Buccaneers, where he has played a key role in developing local talent and instilling a winning mentality throughout the club. Before that, he spent four seasons as Assistant Coach of the Peterborough Phantoms, where he contributed to their Treble-winning success.

Buckman brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and a deep understanding of Romford’shockey culture. His career, both as a player and coach, has been marked by success and a relentless drive and passion for excellence. Buckman is ready to build on the strong foundations laid by former Head Coach Adam Laishram and the team’s impressive performances this past season.

“I’m incredibly honoured to be taking on the role of Head Coach with the Raiders,” said Buckman. “I’m really excited for the season ahead. After spending the last 3 seasons coaching the Buccaneers, the time is right to step up a level and take on this challenge as Head coach at National league level.

The new ownership group have done a fantastic job in such a short time, and there is no doubt the team over-achieved expectations. and there were moments throughout the season which showed what this team can achieve with a little more structure and some changes to drive the success of the organisation. 

Having played here for 5 seasons and now coached here, I feel like I have a good understanding of how this team should play and the expectations from fans. From RVW to the Sapphire, the fans ask for a never quit attitude, and hockey to be played the Romford way, and hopefully I can bring that mentality to next year’s squad and we can have a successful year.”

As we’ve seen this season, the Romford Buccaneers play a vital role in the Romford Raiders’ development pathway. Acting as the bridge between our Academy system and the senior Raiders squad, the Buccaneers provide a crucial platform where future stars sharpen their skills and make the leap into senior hockey.

With Buckman stepping up as Head Coach of the Raiders, we will now begin the search for a new Head Coach for the Buccaneers. This individual will work closely with our junior coaching staff and Buckman to ice a competitive team in NIHL1 while continuing to nurture and develop the next generation of Romford Hockey talent.

Recruitment of the Raiders 2025/26 team has already started, and Buckman’s first player signing will be coming very soon, but in the meantime, please join us in welcoming Jason Buckman to the Raiders as Head Coach and prepare for an exciting new chapter in Romford hockey.

#OnceARaider #AlwaysARaider

The Romford Raiders would like to announce that Adam Laishram will not be returning as Head Coach next season. This comes after an extraordinary year that saw the team defy expectations and reach the Cup Final and playoffs—a testament to the incredible work and leadership Adam brought to the role.

Following an offseason marked by ownership changes, the Raiders’ campaign began later than most. In what could have been a write-off year for many, Adam embraced the challenge, playing a pivotal role in restructuring the club. His commitment to the team turned a difficult start into a season of competitive hockey that Raiders fans could be proud of.

We are sincerely grateful to Adam for what he brought to the Raiders in a year of unknowns.

Adam added, “I’m sincerely grateful to the directors for giving me the opportunity to coach the Romford Raiders this season. It’s been an honour to lead this group through a year filled with both challenges and growth. I’m proud of what was achieved and have full confidence in the club’s direction moving forward. After a season heavily impacted by personal injuries, I now look forward to using the extra time in the off-season to prioritise my own health and fitness and to focus on the next chapter of my journey as I begin my physiotherapy career.
I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Gold & Blue Army for their unwavering support throughout the campaign. Despite the highs and lows – progressing deep into the cup while facing inconsistencies in league play – your continued presence, passion, and energy made a significant difference. I’m also incredibly grateful to the dedicated volunteers who selflessly gave their time and effort for the love of the club. A special thank you to Jonesy for his constant support and the personal sacrifices he made throughout the season. Thank you to our amazing medical staff in Erin, Bailey and Lee, who just couldn’t get rid of me this year no matter how hard we tried. And lastly, to my teammates: thank you for trusting and respecting me as a first-year coach, and for your relentless commitment every time you stepped on the ice.”

We’d also like to say goodbye and offer our heartfelt thanks to Assistant Coach Lewis Jones. Lewis’s dedication to the team has been unwavering, putting in the miles, showing up week in and week out, and always supporting the players and staff with professionalism and loyalty. Everyone has deeply valued his presence behind the bench and around the team at the club.

Lewis commented, “I just wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you and goodbye to the Gold and Blue army. Thank you for your unwavering support this season. None of this would be possible without your support week in, week out, and I am glad that we’ve been able to give you guys some special moments this season. Thank you to Laish for allowing me to represent this amazing club. Thank you to the players, staff, volunteers and owners for their commitment this season. Finally, I want to thank my wife for her support this season. None of this would be possible without your support and holding it down back home with our little boy while I travel from Yorkshire every week. I wish the club nothing but the best going forward and hope the club gets to have many more special moments like the ones we’ve had this season together. Hopefully, see you all in the future.”

Fans attending the End of Season Awards will have the opportunity to personally thank both Adam and Lewis for their incredible contributions throughout the year.

We won’t keep you in suspense too long. Keep your eyes peeled this week as we announce the Raiders’ new Head Coach and reveal our first signing for the 2025/26 season.