Romford Raiders Vs MK Lightning Preview Featuring Jack Cooper

The Romford Raiders will compete in their first ever NIHL cup semi-final and captain Jack Cooper is very confident they can win beat the Lightning.

“We know we can beat anyone especially on home ice, playing the right way. We respect every opponent and know we have to be playing our best, therefore we will make sure we are switched on and focussed for Wednesday.”

Jack was named the new Raiders captain at the start of the season after the new ownership takeover. Adam Laishram was also named as the new player coach of the team and has made an instant impact securing the Raiders the top four cup spot.

Photo Credit: CSW Imagery

“Laish has come in and changed the way we play and practice and I think having two new strong imports from the start of the season with no issues has been huge for us.

Both Miller and Shewfelt have been unbelievable and at the other end, Ethan has also been at another level this year, keeping us in many games and winning us many.” Said Jack.

However, it will not be an easy test for the Raiders as the Lighting have also had a strong start to the season. They currently sit at the top of the NIHL table and have added a few key pieces to their roster this season. 

Big Canadian defenseman, Jordan Spadafore was brought in by Tim Wallace and will be a big factor in this tie as he has the ability to shut down games for the Lightning. Mack Stewart and Jordan Cownie have also been in fine form on a line together. Stewart already has 16 goals this season while Jordan Cownie has 36 points. 

Photo Credit: Tony Sargent

The Raiders on the other hand also have some very strong imports of their own in Miller and Shewfelt. Miller is second in the league in points with 48 in just 20 games while Shewfelt has 19 goals in 18 games. They have been monumental for the way Laishram has got the Raiders playing this season. 

Photo Credit: Dan’s Photography

Jack Cooper also spoke on the tie saying “We know that in the aggregate games u cannot win or lose after the first 60 minutes. So we have to try not drop our heads or think the games done. We will make sure to keep focus going into the second leg as well as the first. 

“It’s a big moment for me, I’m very excited as Romford is where my hockey career began and I cannot wait to lead the team into this semi-final” Quoted Jack.

Last time these two sides met, it was a cracker with the Raiders beating the Lightning 6-5 in a sell out game. The Lightning come into this game securing three points at the weekend while the Raiders come into the home tie after a big 6-3 win against the Bristol Pitbulls on Sunday.

The first leg will take place on Wednesday 4th December in Romford while the second leg will take place the week after on the 12th December in Milton Keynes. 

Jack ended with a message to the Raiders fans saying “Make sure to bring the energy on Wednesday. You guys have been incredible all season, be excited and we also hope to see many of you at the away leg as well!”

If you are looking to watch the game weather that be in Romford or on the stream, below are links to tickets and the streaming tickets:

Match Night Ticket : Get Your Game Tickets Here

Streaming Ticket : Get Your Stream Ticket Here