ISLE OF WRIGHT, UK – American forward John Sarno has finally touched down in the UK and has already set his stall out with two goals on his first appearance for the Wightlink Raiders in the first of their pre-season friendlies against their second side, the Wightlink Tigers. Sarno was originally meant to sign for the Invicta Dynamos last season but due to other commitments the deal fell through.
Sarno wanted to set the record straight.
“Myself and my brother, Anthony, were due to fly over together to play for the Dynamos but then Anthony got a very good offer from the EPHL and wasn’t able to go. Because of that and other reasons I pulled out of the deal, but I made sure that I wasn’t leaving the Dynamos with problems as they hadn’t paid out for our ITCs or flights and they still had a month to find replacements, which they did. If they had already paid out I would have had no hesitation in paying them back for it and I made sure that the club had my full apologies,” said Sarno.
“As far as I am concerned that matter is over and everyone should move on from it. It is never my intention to leave clubs in problems or go back on my word, but sometimes things happen and you have no choice. I hope no grudges are being held against me by the Dynamos organisation and fans,” added Sarno.
“I have heard nothing but good things about the people and fans there and I look forward to playing there with the Raiders, although obviously I will still be giving my all to win, as I will be in every game this coming year”.
It isn’t the first time that Sarno has played in Europe as he spent four seasons in the French leagues with Roche-sur-Yon, Nice and Cherbourg where he notched 77 goals in 67 games with a point’s tally of 141 over the four seasons.
The Isle of Wight has a reputation for being a very small rink compared to most other places and can be difficult for new signings to adjust to their new surroundings.
“I am not known for my skating skills which shouldn’t be a problem on the smaller ice,” said Sarno. “I am known for my hard and direct passing as well as my vision and finishing abilities. I really think that my style of play will fit in perfectly at the Raiders and that the fans will be happy with my work rate. I know the UK plays a similar style to what I am used to back home so it won’t take too much for me to adjust my game to fit in with the league. I also chose the Isle of Wight as I love the sea and enjoy spending time on the water and beach.”
Sarno finished up by saying, “The Raiders have had a tough few years and I am excited to be a part of their revival under coach Jeremy Cornish. I can’t wait to get on the ice and start the season and I will encourage the fans to really get behind the team on the ice. Your support always matters if you perform well in the stands, we’ll perform that bit better on the ice!”
As featured recently in another PHN article , the Raiders have had a lot of new players join the team this summer as well as a new coach in Canadian hard man Jeremy Cornish. Things look promising already with the 9-0 thrashing of the Tigers and the Raiders are very much in contention with the Dynamos, Cardiff Devils and Chelmsford Chieftains for the ENL title in the upcoming season.
Contact pete.lewis@prohockeynews.com
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