New era begins for the Romford Raiders with a home win

A decent opening-night crowd turned up at the Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre to see new player-coach Adam Laishram lead his side to a 6-3 pre-season challenge win over Peterborough Phantoms.

And as far as first games go, there were plenty of positives on and off the ice.

"We were very pleased with the crowd," said lifelong Raiders fan Andy Pearson, a co-director alongside Al Gerrie, Paul Davies and Sean Barry.

"West Ham at were playing home, so to get over 600 fans in attendance and 129 on the stream is brilliant."

Only 76 seconds had elapsed when Jake Sylvester put Raiders in front, with Tommy Huggett doubling the advantage in the sixth minute.

And although the visitors were back on terms by the first break, Raiders saw Andrew Shewfelt and Sylvester score in the middle session, before Laishram and Jacob Ranson made it 6-2 just 90 seconds apart in the final period.

A late Phantoms reply could not dampen the mood in the home ranks, with Pearson adding: "I think the team jumped out well and showed proper Romford hockey.

"The imports and all the new players seemed to settle in well and for a new team it was excellent.

"We had 119 kids and lots of new faces for their first taste of ice hockey on the 'kids for a quid' scheme, which will be running this week as well. Hopefully we've got a few new fans now."

Raiders welcome Division One South outfit Invicta Dynamos - who now include former captain Aaron Connolly among their ranks - on Sunday, with another kids for a quid offer in place.

The regular season campaign begins the following weekend, with a trip to MK Lightning followed by a home date with Swindon (September 15, 5.15pm).

Raiders Season tickets remain on sale and there is also the option to reserve a seat with a half season ticket.