ROMFORD, UK – Romford Raiders have added a big piece of their defensive jigsaw by signing defenceman Julian Smith.
Smith joins from EPL side Peterborough Phantoms, where he has spent almost his entire career. The only other domestic team he has appeared for is Nottingham Panthers, where he suited up for five games in the 07/08 season. The 6 foot 2 blueliner will never put up many points (27 points in 239 games with Peterborough), but he is a very steady stay-at-home defenceman who controls his own zone very well. He also plays with a physical edge that will please the Rom Valley Way faithful.
A Romford spokesman said: “We hoped to sign Julian last season but he decided to stay at his hometown club for another year. All of the reasons we had for our interest in Julian still exist so when the opportunity came to renew that interest, we had no hesitation in grabbing it.
“He’s still only 23 but has loads of EPL experience having made his Phantoms’ debut in the 2002/3 season. His pedigree is great with international caps at GB Under-18 and Under-20 levels and he also doubled up briefly with Nottingham Panthers. Peterborough described him as reliable and consistent and that will do us very nicely thank you.
“Julian plays with a bit of aggression and, at 6’2”, is quite capable of looking after himself when necessary. He becomes a key member of our blue line and we are absolutely thrilled to have him in the team. Julian has been a one club man so we imagine it will be quite a wrench leaving Peterborough but he’s relishing a fresh challenge at a new club and we know the Rom Valley Way crowd will make him especially welcome,” he concluded.
Romford’s squad is shaping up nicely now with only a handful of players left so sign, including both imports and another netminder.
Contact the author dave.lambert@prohockeynews.com
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