The new ice hockey season kicks off this weekend for the Island’s Wightlink Raiders, with a game against English Premier League team Milton Keynes Lightning in the new Premier League Challenge Cup tonight (Saturday).
It’s the first the Raiders have competed in a competition with teams from the league above, a match that is expected to pull a big crowd and provide an action-packed night of sporting action.
Today sees the start of 23rd season for the Raiders, which is a locally owned and run club, with the introduction of former Elite League player Jaroslav Cesky and defenceman Carl Graham. Irish international Stevie Balmer also joined the team this year alongside Bobby Streetly from Sutton and Owen Griffiths from Cardiff, with a total of 9 new faces for 2014.
The Raiders finished last season as league runners up and runners up in the end of season play offs, adding to the determination to top the tables this year.
Tonight’s match starts at 18:00 at Ryde Arena, Ryde. On Sunday, the team make the short trip to Gosport to take on Solent Devils in the league.
Photo: Nicky Craft/Wightlink Raiders
