ROMFORD, UK – Frankie Harvey had a lot of options for the coming season, but the talented young forward signed for a second season with the Romford Raiders after enjoying an outstanding year in the EPL with the Raiders last season. He proved to be a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign for Romford, putting up 32 points in 39 games and becoming an instant hero to the Rom Valley Way fans. Such was his success that Harvey decided to attend a try-out in America this summer.
The 17 year-old travelled to Verona in Wisconsin, where he had a trial for the Austin Bruins of the NAHL. He said: “First impressions when I got out there were obviously how different their style of play was, much more physical. We had a few games and at the end I had a meeting with the coaches and they basically said I’m still young, a great hockey player with a European style of play. But with only two import spots on the team it would have been tough to make it, but there’s always next year to try again. Overall it was a great experience
Harvey stickhandles (Photo – John Scott)
Despite this setback, Harvey returned to the UK to find that he still had plenty of options available.
“I had a few teams approach me, one of which was Slough just after last season ended. Speaking with Pete Russell I told him about the trial I had so I didn’t want to sign with someone straight away, which he understood. I think after I got back he pretty much had his team sorted, and it would have been tough to go in as a tenth forward.
“Peterborough also contacted me, but I think it’s just a tad too far travel. Kev Parrish (Invicta Dynamos coach) also spoke to me. He almost persuaded me to sign as Liam Chong had signed there and I thought playing alongside him for another year would have been great, but speaking with Danny Marshall (Raiders coach) I just decided to stay at Romford for now. It’s closer to home and playing alongside Marsh along with an import will not do me any harm.”
Some people have been quick to point out that they think Harvey should be playing at a higher level, and it’s true that he proved more than capable in the EPL last season. However, Frankie doesn’t believe that his decision will be detrimental to his development.
He said: “I’ve had some people criticize my decision, saying it will be bad for me stepping down a league, but I think people forget I’m still only 17 sometimes. I could sign for an EPL team this year, but being a tenth forward or a third line player is only going to help me pick splinters out my
Harvey finds the top corner (Photo – John Scott)
Frankie’s decision to stick with Romford this season was made easier by the strong squad that player/coach Danny Marshall has put together so far. Harvey said: “Marshall’s put together a good team this year, better than I thought actually. Stepping down a league and coming off the season we had last year I didn’t think we would have had the best chance of signing many great players, but he’s got a good mix in the team. AJ smith is a good goal scorer with some good hands, and the likes of JJ (McGrath), (Anthony) Leone and (Grant) Baxter will give us some good depth and strength on the team along with goal scoring aspects. Having D-men like Ty Miller and Julian Smith will give us confidence at the back as well. It’ll be interesting to see how the first few games of the season go.”
With this being Romford’s first season in the ENL, it means that they are playing some teams for the first time, while they get to renew old rivalries with others.
Battling for the puck (Photo – John Scott)
“Games against Chelmsford should be great for obvious reasons. There will be a great atmosphere in those games because of the local derby. Against Invicta we’ll be playing against a strong team with skilful players. Mainly though I’m looking forward to playing Streatham if they get hold of Shane Kemp as a goalie, because we’re good friends and I want a few bragging rights off the ice!”
Beyond this season, Harvey isn’t sure exactly where he sees himself. He said: “I don’t know where I see myself and you don’t know what’s round the corner. I’d like to go abroad for a couple of years and get some good life experience under my belt, and eventually either work and play hockey, or earn enough just to play hockey somewhere…you never know.”
As he is eager to point out though, he is just 17 and time is most definitely on his side. For now all that is certain is that Romford have an excellent player on their hands.
Contact the author dave.lambert@prohockeynews.com
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