ISLE OF WIGHT, UK – New Wightlink Raiders signing Nathan Taylor is hoping to make a big impact for his new side, after relocating over three hundred miles in a bid to kick start his hockey career in English National League South.
The 21 year old prospect suffered from a back problem last year that limited his appearances for Whitley Warriors in the English National League North, but when he returned to the ice mid season he helped the Warriors clinch a league and Play-Off double. After such a successful season at Hillheads, the long move south to the Isle of Wight may seem a little odd for a player who has also tasted Elite League hockey with the Newcastle Vipers, but the right winger has his reasons:
“Corny (Raiders Head Coach Jeremy Cornish) spoke to me at the beginning of the summer and asked what I was doing next year and if I would come and play for him” said Taylor. “It was something I had to think long and hard about because it involves me moving a long way from home and also quitting my day job, not to mention leaving Whitley and all the lads there,
“But I have always wanted to try and play for a club away from home, and whilst I realise I couldn’t get much further away from home and still be in the UK by signing for the Raiders, I played with Jeremy previously at Newcastle and he was a big reason that I made the switch”
Photo by Colin Edwards
Taylor is by no means the first player to leave the North East to kick off a pro hockey career via the Isle of Wight. Paul Sanderson left Sunderland for the Isle of Wight in 1998, Richie Thornton made the switch from Billingham to the island in 2001, James Hutchinson and Adam Carr left Whitley Bay and Sunderland respectively to join the Raiders in 2002 and last year James Udell had a spell with the Raiders after moving down from Newcastle ENL Vipers.
Taylor admits that he sought opinions from those whose footsteps he is following, and thankfully they reassured him that it would be a good move to make:
“Yeah I had a word with Richie, Hutch and Delly about the island and they all had good things to say” admits Taylor. “Richie and Hutch have gone on to do really well with their careers after playing for the Raiders so I am sure it will work out to be the right choice this season, and hopefully it will stand me in good stead for my future career”
Debates rage as to what the better league is between the English National League North and English National League South. When the Play-Off or League winners have met head to head the North nearly always comes out on top, so with this in mind some would point out that Taylor is heading for an easier ride in the South. The player disagrees however:
“If I am honest I am not sure what to expect from ENL South, it looks like it is going to be really tough though, considering some of the British players being signed up not to mention the imports. I am looking forward to the challenge though”
Cornish (Photo by Tim Bowers)
Taylor is due to arrive on the island towards the end of this month. During his career he has never played on the island at any level so it will be a whole new experience for him. One thing that won’t be an issue is the ferry crossings across the Solent, as Taylor explains:
“I love sailing to be honest, and have done since I was a kid” he says. “I grew up in Guernsey in the Channel Islands so we were always making trips across the sea. It has been a while since I have been on water, but I am sure I will get used to it soon enough, although crossing the water to get to away games will be a unique experience”
Wightlink have a pre-season friendly lined up on September 4th as one time ENL South title winners Basingstoke Buffalo travel to the island to test the Raiders. Face Off is at 5.30pm and the Raiders will be hoping to put on a show inside the Ryde Arena, before the Ryde Carnival steams through the streets later in the evening.
Contact the author: david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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