ROMFORD,U.K- English Premier League side Romford Raiders have announced their first non-British trained player, Czech defenseman Michal Palik. The six foot, 170 pound 22 year old joined the Raiders halfway through last season when previous imports, Jan Galko and Marko Filip were let go after failing to live up to expectations. 
He arrived on the recommendation of Raiders star defenseman Jan Krajicek. Taking just a few games to settle in, the blueliner went from strength to strength as the season went on. Palik finished the season named as the Raiders ‘player of the month’ in the final month of the season. Krajicek has since departed for fellow EPL side, Swindon Wildcats, and strong rumours indicated that Palik would follow him to the Wiltshire outfit before he was announced as returning to the Raiders. Before joining Romford, Palik had only played in the Czech Republic, most notably in the 1.liga (the Czech second tier) with HC Sareza Ostrava and Poruba. With the Raiders the left-shooter suited up for 20 games, registering four goals and six assists. A Raiders spokesman said; “Michal Palik makes a welcome return to the Raiders number three shirt this season and we can’t wait to see more of the form that saw him become one of the stand out imports of last season’s campaign. We are pleased that we have agreed terms with Michal whose defensive talents are now well known to us.” Meanwhile, coach Jesse Hammill commented; “The team is shaping up although we have been up against the eight ball a bit with the later start than some of the other teams, and some of the players that I had earmarked to come in or stay had to make tough decisions to leave or sign elsewhere,” Hammill said “I know that there will be disappointments that some players will not be back, but we have to work within a budget and must have natural progression to deliver an effective long term program.” The Raiders have now confirmed seven players for the coming season, including one of their four permitted non-British trained players, but still have a long way to go as they bid to build a competitive side. Contact the author at Dave.lambert@prohockeynews.com
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