Romford announce first signings

ROMFORD, UK – Romford Raiders have released the names of their first four signings for their first season in the ENL.
 
Joining player/coach Danny Marshall on the Raiders roster are Tyrone Miller, Jason Buckman, JJ McGrath and Anthony Leone.
 
British defenceman Miller is a big signing for Romford. This will be the 27 year-olds eleventh consecutive season appearing for the Raiders, while he

has also spent time with local rivals Chelmsford Chieftains, Bracknell Bees, Slough Jets and Basingstoke Bison. Miller is an effective puck-moving defenceman who’s not afraid to take the body.  
 
Buckman returns for his second season at Rom Valley Way after proving to be a big hit last season. The versatile 31 year-old is a natural forward but can also cover on defence, as he proved last season for the Raiders. He has spent most of his career at Peterborough, playing for both the Islanders and the Phantoms, while he has also appeared for Chelmsford and the Nottingham Panthers. In his last two seasons in the ENL Buckman put up impressive numbers, grabbing 70 points in 44 games. Last season he was named as Romford’s ‘Iron Man’ at the awards ceremony, while he was also runner-up in the voting for ‘Management’s player-of-the-year’.
 
J.J McGrath re-signs for Romford after spending the second half of last season with the Raiders. The winger stepped up from ENL2 side Romford Fury mid-season and added grit and determination, while he is also willing to drop the gloves to protect his teammates. McGrath is only 26, but he has a wealth of experience, in the Elite League with the London Racers and Basingstoke Bison, and in the EPL with Chelmsford and the Wightlink Raiders.
 
The final addition, Anthony Leone, returns to the Raiders after a nine year absence. Since leaving Romford the hard-hitting Leone played for four seasons with Chelmsford Chieftains in the EPL, and has spent the last four seasons with the Invicta Dynamos in the ENL. In his time with the Dynamos Leone put up 77 points in 102 games.
 
These four signings mark the start of Romford’s recruiting for the new season, and more are announcements are expected soon. A Romford spokesman said: “Danny (Marshall) is continuing his discussions with several other players and although some negotiations are closer to completion than others, the Raiders’ Player/Coach should be ready to announce more team members next week.”
Contact the author dave.lambert@prohockeynews.com