Six of the best

ROMFORD,U.K- English Premier League side Romford Raiders have almost completed their squad for the coming season after announcing the signing of six players. Michael Timms returns, while newcomers Alistair Band, Steve Maile, Jason Buckman, Tom Davis and Kamil Vavra have all been added. Fan favourite Timms returns after spending the past season and a half with the Raiders. He has previously enjoyed spells with Chelmsford Chieftains in the EPL, as well as Guildford Flames and Slough Jets. The 24 year-old, nicknamed ‘Mad Dog’ by fans, is amongst the smallest players in the league at around 5ft 6”, but makes up for his lack of size with excellent skating and stickhandling abilities. A Raiders spokesman said: “I think it’s fair to say that Timmsy had a patchy season last year, but he seemed to get a new lease of life when Jesse came in. Off the ice, he’s a lovely guy, very well liked by his team mates and an important part of the squad. More than that, he can really play this game and we expect his experience to be an important part of our team plan,” “Timmsy had pressing work commitments last year and this clearly had some impact but he’s really up for the new season and we know he’ll always give it 100% on the night.” Timms is joined by 20 year-old Alistair Band, who joins Romford from ENL side Haringey Greyhounds. The Australian-born defensive blueliner is known mostly for his enforcing skills and had several fights last season. He will help fill the void left by the likely non-return of tough guys Grant Taylor, Shaun Wallis and Mark Williams. On the signing of Band, the Raiders spokesman said: “Ali is a stay-at-home D-man so we’re not expecting a bucket load of points from him. He’s a big, strong guy and we know he is very capable of looking after himself and his team mates. He’s still only 20 and feels ready to take a step up to Premier League level so we’re happy to give him the opportunity. A team is made up of a variety of talents and Ali is a welcome addition to the roster.” Also joining Romford is hard-hitting forward Steve Maile. The 25 year-old has spent the last eight seasons playing in Peterborough for the Phantoms in the EPL and the Islanders in the ENL, where he played with and for Raiders coach Jesse Hammill. “Steve Maile is the exact type of player that you want on your team, as when he’s on he can be very effective and hits like a machine. Two years ago he was a huge part of the Islanders’ success with his leadership and ability. Last year was a very turbulent one for Steve off the ice which I believe affected his presence on the ice, but we have had long discussions about this year and he is focused and believes that he can be an impact player at this level.” Hammill said Joining Maile is his Peterborough Islanders teammate from last season, Jason Buckman. Buckman, 30, has played in Peterborough for the Pirates (in the BNL), the Phantoms (EPL) and most recently the ENL Islanders. He also made a few appearances in the Elite League for Nottingham Panthers, mostly in the 2004-05 season. Hammill, who has coached Buckman before as well spoke of his new signing;  “Jason Buckman has experience at every level and has played the role of his teams’ scoring leader as well as a third line work horse. Jason is a team-first guy who is going to give our third line some punch as well as leadership in the room. Jason jumped at this opportunity as he believes he can still perform at this level and be a big contributor.” Hammill said Also arriving from the Islanders is youngster Tom Davis. The little known teenager developed his game in the junior ranks of Romford’s bitter rivals Chelmsford, before moving to Peterborough last season. “Tom Davis is a great story, as two years ago he did not make my squad with the Islanders and he applied himself, went back to Chelmsford and worked on his game, he got some time with the Chieftains and developed into a good young prospect. Tom came back last year and blew me away with the improvements that he had made, by the end of my time with the Islanders he turned into a go to guy,” Hammill said 
“Tom is great in the room and he is coming in to push the other guys around him for ice time. Tom has good hands around the net and has been working on his foot speed to ensure that he can contribute this year.” Hammill added
The final player announcement this week was that of new import forward Kamil Vavra. The 24 year-old Czech winger started his career in the Under-18 and Under-20 Extraliga, playing most of his games for HC Pardubice. In the 2003-04 season Vavra made the move to Canada, where he played 20 games for Regina Pats of the WHL, registering five points, before returning to Pardubice. Most recently the 5’9”, 185lb forward played for HK Spisska Nova Ves in the Slovakian First Division, putting up 42 points and helping his team to the league title. A Raiders spokesman said: “We’re very happy with Jesse’s recruitment campaign and Kamil fits nicely under this imaginary 25 year old ceiling people are saying we have. He already has rich experience and, apart from the disappointing end to his time in Canada he has gradually improved year on year,”
“He’s grown in every way since his WHL experience and we’d all rather have a guy who is hungry and still improving than a star in decline. We think Kam has the skills to make a real impact at EPL level and ‘though he’s a natural winger, he can centre a line too and that gives Jesse some real scope. We’re thrilled he’s joining us.”
Romford team manager Mick Cahill added: “We think we’ve hired a gem and we’re very happy to welcome Kamil on board.” Contact the author at Dave.lambert@prohockeynews.com