Popular defenceman Dan Scott has re-signed for the 2010-11 season.
Ice HockeyWIGHTLINK Raiders have not rested on their laurels since losing their ENL play-off final to Bracknell last month, with player-coach Jeremy Cornish signing a whole clutch of players for the 2010-11 season.
This week it was announced the team’s long-serving goalkeeper Toby Cooley has re-signed for his 13th year.
The 29-year-old will be rewarded for his loyalty with a testimonial match, which has been pencilled in for September 8 at Ryde Arena, with the current Raiders team taking on a team of ex-Raiders.
Meanwhile, the Raiders defence is almost complete after Cornish snapped up the services of Dan Scott for a third season and former Raider Dominic Hopkins, who returns for his third separate stint with the side.
They join Island-trained players Damon Larter, who has been named captain for this season, and Niall Bound, who moved up from the Vectis Tigers last season.
Cornish said: "I think we are lucky to have two of the league’s best D men on our team for this year. Dan’s presence on the ice is well known and he is chomping at the bit to get fit for the new season. Dom Hopkins brings experience and that winning mentality again after winning the play-offs with Bracknell.
"With Damon Larter and Niall Bound on board as well we already have a defence most teams would kill for."
Up front the side welcomes back last year’s surprise attacking package, Alex Murray and Bradley Watchorn, who brought his uncompromising style to the Raiders two seasons ago, but last season played for Bracknell. Announced on Wednesday was the re-signing of Stewart Tait, last year’s coaches’ player of the year.
And there are two new faces to the line-up. Forward Nathan Taylor, 20, hs joined from ENL North champions Whitley Bay Warriors, where he had spent the last two seasons.
Prior to that he iced for Elite side Newcastle Vipers.
In addition, Robbie Brown, who last year played for Elite team Belfast Giants, is expected to add fire to the attacking line.
The 19-year-old also has experience in the Scottish Premier League, where he scored 45 points in 48 games for Solway Sharks.
In league news, Haringey Greyhounds and Peterborough Islanders have dropped down to Division 2, while Bristol Pitbulls and Swindon ENL Wildcats have moved up to Division 1 to take on the Raiders.
And another old rivalry will be revived when the Raiders’ namesakes from Romford, join the ENL after dropping out of the EPL.
More information on Toby’s testimonial and latest signings can be found at the club’s official website, www.wightlinkraiders.com.