ROMFORD, UK – Romford Raiders haven’t had a good start to the season. Their performances have been patchy at times, and just downright bad at others. They’re second to bottom in the English Premier League, and have conceded the most goals in the league (138, one more than Wightlink Raiders).
On top of this crowds have been dwindling a little, not helped by local rivals Chelmsford Chieftains dropping to ENL2, eliminating the well attended derbies between the teams. But the Raiders management cannot be accused of sitting back and letting the bad results keep coming.
Almost a month ago they announced the signing of giant Czech defenseman Jan Krajicek. Last season Krajicek played for the Slough Jets, and helped them to the Playoff title, posting 13 goals and 32 assists in 39 games along the way. He was widely acknowledged as the best defenseman in the league, and his signing is a major coup for the Raiders.
A Romford spokesperson said: “It’s a truly massive signing for us and we hope Romford fans will recognise their patience has been rewarded with our new Raider.”
“We see Jan as the keystone of our blueline and although we lived in hope that we’d attract him to Romford, we can’t disguise how happy we are that he’s coming,” they continued.
But one man doesn’t make a team, and while the Raiders have looked better with him in the side, it hasn’t been enough to turn their season around. Performances and results have improved slightly, but the team is still lacking the edge and spirit of last year’s Raiders team that managed 14 straight unbeaten games at home.
In an attempt to rectify this, they have now announced the signing of gritty forward Norman Pinnington, as well as the return of fan favourite Shaun Wallis. It remains to be seen whether the additions will have the desired effect, but Romford’s roster certainly looks stronger now than at the start of the season.
Contact the author at dave.lambert@prohockeynews.com
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