ROMFORD, UK – The future of the Romford Raiders is set to be decided tomorrow. The Raiders have been looking for an owner to keep them in the EPL, but with no suitably wealthy people stepping forward they will now try for a spot in the ENL.
A decision will be made at a meeting on Sunday (23rd May), where each team currently in the ENL will get to vote on whether the Raiders should be allowed to join the league. The main issue seems to be where the Raiders would be slotted in should they play in the ENL, as there are two divisions.
Romford are hoping to be able to play in Division one, as this will represent far less of a dip in quality for the fans, and would hopefully mean that the majority of the fanbase is retained. It would also allow the Raiders to once again enjoy local derbies with the Invicta Dynamos and bitter rivals Chelmsford Chieftains.
However if the Raiders were added to the league it would mean expansion, an idea that is not completely practical when you consider that most ENL players pay to play, while the additional games would create more costs and the need for more ice-time that may not necessarily be available.
Another factor to be considered is that Romford already have a team in Division two, the Romford Fury, who also play out of Rom Valley Way.
These are just some considerations for the league to take into account before making a decision on the future of the Romford Raiders. They must do what is best for the ENL, and for British hockey. Until a decision is announced, all Romford fans can do is wait and hope.
More on this as announcements are made.
Contact the author dave.lambert@prohockeynews.com
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