Danny Hughes. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
PICTURE GALLERY
ICE HOCKEYWIGHTLINK Raiders, and their fans, are reflecting on the most successful seasons in many years — despite still not winning any silverware.
The side were defeated 6-4 on aggregate by Bracknell Hornets in last weekend’s English National League Division 1 play-off final. But, as it was the first final the side had reached in 13 seasons, the side are not despondent.
Player-coach Jeremy Cornish said: "I think we proved a lot of people wrong, we had a great group of guys, playing as a great team.
"Winning on Sunday did not feel like a win. I looked up at the scoreboard after the game but I didn’t feel like we’d won. It was the weirdest feeling, one I had never experienced before in my career.
"My biggest regret is that we didn’t keep the scoreline down on Saturday. There are a couple of goals we should not have let in but we have to show maturity and learn from it.
"Bracknell are a great side, and they deserved it. I’ve been saying since Christmas that they have been the team to beat and I thought we did really well to stick with them over the two games," he added. "They are a group of 21 guys who have been playing together for years and we need to produce the same. I’ve always seen this as a three-year plan, so next year I will be hoping for a higher league finish at least."
The Raiders dropped down into the ENL at the end of last season and produced a solid campaign under Cornish, finishing sixth and qualifying for the post-season.
They proved they were a brilliant play-off team, maintaining an unbeaten away run right through to the final, playing exciting hockey and defeating sides who had finished well above them in the regular season.
And they did it all with a small squad, already depleted after the departure of defenceman Dan Scott through injury, and import forward John Sarno, because of family problems.
Cornish said: "Our big finish really helped me as a coach on how we can improve in future and I am meeting with the management team this week to get next season’s plans under way.
"I’ve already been on the phone to guys who I want to join the team. There is no break for me, as I want to make sure I get the guys I want, before they sign for someone else.
"Obviously being on the Island means getting them over here is the main battle."
And Cornish paid tribute to the fans who turned out to support the side over the two legs, especially on the away leg on Sunday, when around 150 supporters travelled to Bracknell’s Hive.
"Seeing so many fans supporting us at Bracknell was something I never expected. It was awesome."
The team will join fans for their end-of-season do, which takes place tomorrow (Saturday) at the Raiders Bar, Ryde Arena, starting at 7.30pm.
The team awards will be presented and the traditional shirt auction will take place.
Reporter: sport@iwcpmail.co.uk
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