ROMFORD, UK – Romford Raiders enter a difficult weekend fresh from the news that inspirational player/coach Jesse Hammill will be leaving the club.
Despite Romford’s poor form this season Hammill is a popular figure among players and fans alike, and most will be very sad to see him go. He will leave for his native Canada in three weeks for reasons unrelated to hockey.
Nicknamed ‘Hammer’, Jesse arrived in the UK in the 97/98 season to play for the Peterborough Pirates, where he made over a hundred appearances over four seasons. He also had spells with the Paisley Pirates, Milton Keynes Kings and Basingstoke Bison, as well as three seasons with the Peterborough Phantoms in the EPL. He was a big hit with the fans due to his tenacious style, and his willingness to drop the gloves to protect his teammates.
Hammill took over as Romford coach in January 2009 when the Raiders were struggling at the bottom of the table, and helped them to a sensational turnaround in which the team won 13 consecutive home games and beat all the top teams on their way to clinching a playoff spot. Hammill has also played for Romford, after previously retiring from playing, due to a shortage of imports.
Departing coach Jesse Hammill (Photo John Scott)
Hammill said: “This has been a very difficult decision, especially due to the position that we are in however there are things being worked on that I feel will push this team to a very strong finish to the season. “There is a time in life when you have to grow up and put family first, and as I have been putting hockey first for the last twelve years now is the time to move forward to a new career. I will miss everything that I have experienced and all the great people I have met in the UK, and hopefully we can get a couple of wins before my replacement takes over. “I would like to thank everyone who has influenced my career in the UK and supported me and all I hope is that I entertained people”, he concluded.
Hammill will still be available for the Raiders for this weekend, when they face the in-form Guildford Flames away on Saturday, before hosting ex-Elite side Manchester Phoenix on Sunday.
The Flames are finally living up to their potential after a mixed start to the season. They have won their last seven games, scoring an impressive 46 goals in that time, while conceding just 12. This upturn in fortunes has been helped by the addition of import forward Lubomir Hurtaj. The Slovakian joined the Flames following a season-ending injury to Vinny Zavoral, and has put up 14 points (8+6) in seven games so far. The two meetings between Guildford and Romford this season were back in October, and ended with 6-2 and 6-0 victories for the Flames.
Manchester are currently on their worst run of form of the season so far, and have won just one of their last six games. This has allowed Milton Keynes to overtake Phoenix at the top of the league. Romford have enjoyed unexpected success against Manchester at home this season, beating them both times they have met at Rom Valley Way. Those two wins account for almost half of the points picked up by the Raiders this season, and they will be looking to keep their streak intact this weekend.
Contact the author dave.lambert@prohockeynews.com
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