Following what can best be described as an "eventful" first season running the Romford Raiders, I am sad to announce that I will be unable to step forward and operate the team again next season.

To the hockey savvy fans that have spotted that the Olympic Gold game is being played on Sunday evening, fear not.

The Raiders Management are beavering away in the background to ensure that this game will be on the big screen immediately after Romford play Swindon. The bar will also be open for an extended period, to ensure that we are not turfed out half way through penalty shots!

It could turn into a decent social evening, so get yourself down to RVW.

Its a one off special as this Wednesday evening Paul "Lippy" Ludlow is back in the announcers box at RVW. You can oiiii to Vic Reeves all night long and get the blocks battling again as on ice the boys will be keen to continue the weekends upturn in form.

Romford management are keen to confirm that despite the best efforts of some in the Peterborough press, Romford have no intention of being drawn into pointless brawls at Peterborough this Sunday. Any hockey fan travelling for that reason will be wasting their time.

The traditional end of year bash has just been booked and the Raiders Management are pleased to announce that Friday 26th March will be the day.

The normal frivolities, raffles, shirt auctions and occasional drinks will be mixed with some music and jigging about a bit so be sure to cancel everything else and take this opportunity to grab a bit of this year to hang on your wall.

Following continued poor results for the Raiders, the effect on attendances has been clear to see. The Raiders management would therefore like to thank Erskine Douglas who has agreed to step down from his role and therefore allow the team to make a small reduction in outgoings.

The Raiders are pleased to announce that following great assistance from the Fury, Lee Valley and the Romford Junior Ice Hockey Club that we can now announce the postponed Manchester game has been re-arranged.

The game is to take place on Saturday 6th March, face off 5-15pm.

Special thanks go to Lel Worsell who spent countless hours in brokering the rearrangements.

The Raiders management are pleased to advise that the game vs Slough, postponed on 20th December has now been re-arranged.

Many thanks to the Rink Management, Junior System and Slough Jets who have worked with the Raiders to secure ice time on Wednesday 24th February.

The game will face off at 7-30 pm and doors will open, as usual, 45 minutes before face off, at 6-45 pm.

We are also delighted that there will be the extra attraction of a operational bar on the evening, just in case a mid week fix of ice hockey is not enough to drag you away from the TV for the evening.

Tickets for the leagues showcase, the Coventry finals, are now available.
Saturday 10th of April will see the two semi final games, with doors opening at 2pm and the games facing off at 3pm and 7pm.
On Sunday doors will open at 11-30am and the days first action will be the under 18's national final. The EPIHL final, will face off at 4pm.

Joe Myers has asked to be released from his contract with Romford Raiders.

"Joe is a great lad but he would admit he's been struggling of late", said a Raiders' spokesman. "He has a chance to take up a full time employment opportunity back home in Wales so, coupled with the addition of Charlie Kaylor to the roster and the gradual return to fitness of Euan King, we think it's only fair to abide by Joe's wishes. We fully expect him to continue playing the game he loves and know that several clubs are interested in taking him on."