ICE HOCKEYWIGHTLINK Raiders have been dealt a double blow as the English National League Division 1 playoffs draw nearer.
Import forward and top scorer John Sarno has left the club, following a bereavement in his family, while key defenceman Dan Scott is out of action for up to six weeks with a fractured ankle.
Making matters worse is the fact player-coach Jeremy Cornish cannot sign anyone to replace the duo, as the transfer deadline expired at the end of last month, nor are they permitted to borrow players from the Wightlink Tigers squad, who play in the division below.
Ahead of the Raiders’ away clash with Cardiff this weekend, Cornish said: "There’s nothing we can do about it so we just have to deal with the situation, and hope that the rest of the squad is able to pick up the slack. We have to move on.
"We played well against Invicta last weekend and if we play Cardiff with the same attitude, I am confident we can get a win."
There are just nine games left in the Raiders’ regular season and they currently lie sixth in the league, the final playoff spot. Their position is not hugely under threat, given they have 30 points and seventh-placed Streatham Redskins only have 19.
Scott sustained his injury in Saturday’s 4-1 home defeat to Bracknell Hornets, after a high-speed collision with the boards.
Doctors have told him he will be unable to play again for another four to six weeks, although he has set his sights on being fit for the play-offs, which take place from the end of March to the middle of April.
Prior to the match, the team found out Sarno, who had taken the opportunity to go back to America to be with his family while he sat out a suspension, would not be coming back.
In 18 games, John scored 17 goals and 23 assists, for a total of 40 points, one ahead of captain Danny Hughes.