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SPONSOR HOPES BRING END-OF-SEASON BOOST

Friday, March 14, 2008
Sport/Ice hockey
AS the Wightlink Raiders’ season draws to a close, moves are afoot to make sure the ice hockey side reaches the playoffs next year.
This season has been beset with problems, including lack of sponsorship, budget issues, wage cuts, player-coach departures and arrivals and a series of cruel injuries, which included a season-ending knee injury to import netminder Slavomir Sojak.
All factors played their part in the Raiders descent back to a familiar position — bottom of the English Premier League.
But now, as the Raiders look to end their season on a high by trying to gain four points away to Sheffield Scimitars this weekend, the management team are already thinking about season 2008-09.
“We had almost 700 people in for our last home game last weekend,” said Andy Shier, of the management team.
“If we could have had that earlier in the season we would have been fine.
“We are already looking to build for next year, talks with players within the team and from elsewhere are underway to try to create a competitive team. But it is dependent on sponsorship and we are also in talks with a couple of potential sponsors who, if we can get them on board, will help us achieve our aim.”
Mr Shier said another key element for next year will be to improve fitness, as lack of fitness has played a big factor in many of the Raiders’ away losses.
“Fitness has let us down, particularly on away games,” said Mr Shier.
“We have led games but then tired at the end and lost by the odd goal. So improving fitness is the main thing for us to work on.”
The team’s end-of-season presentation night takes place on Thursday at Ryde Rowing Club from 7.30pm.
Awards will be given to overall player of the year, defenceman of the year, forward of the year, most improved player and player’s player.
For more information visit www.wightlinkraiders.com.