“It was the first-ever sell-out for a Romford Raiders game at the Sapphire!”
It was a monumental Friday evening for the Romford Raiders not just on the ice but also off the ice. The club saw over 1150 fans walk through the door in their clash against the MK Lightning.
“Before you even entered the rink the queue for the game was the longest, I've ever seen, it wrapped back on itself three times down the Romford Highstreet.” Quoted a Raiders fan.
New part-owner Paul Davies has been overwhelmed by the support since the changeover in the summer. “We have tried to make the club even more professional and have implemented many changes.” Said Paul.
“We have been humbled by the number of volunteers helping the club to grow this season and the whole atmosphere is nothing but positivity from the fans right up to the players.
Photo Credit: Simon Douglas
New player-coach Adam Laishram has done a fantastic job at recruiting a squad on very short notice including the two imports who have been excellent.”
The Raiders currently sit in 5th spot in the NIHL table but are just three points behind the Leeds Knights who are at the top. “No-one expected us to be challenging at the top at this stage of the season but we have proved to many fans how tough it is to play at the Sapphire and Friday was another example of that.” Said Paul.
The Raiders went 2-0 down in the opening period but like many times this season, they battled back in the game using the energy from the packed-out crowd and ended up beating the MK Lighting 6-5.
Photo Credit: Daniel Young
“It was the perfect hockey game for any new fans watching for the first time and we hope they will now get another ticket and even bring their friends and family to experience a match night at the Sapphire.
We have implemented school programs, themed nights, and supermarket tables to advertise the games to the public of Romford and we thank all the volunteers who have put in their own time to sell tickets to make it even louder at the Sapphire.”
The NIHL as a whole has seen an increase in the amount of fans coming to the games week in and out and clubs are taking many steps in making the evening not just an ice hockey game but a full night of entertainment and that is exactly what Paul Davies and the rest of the owners at Romford are looking to achieve.
“We will not be resting on our laurels. It was great to have a sell-out on Friday but we have ambitions to now try to sell out many more games this season. Ice hockey is such a great sport to enjoy with anyone whether that be your family or friends.”
Paul finished off with a message to all the fans and people of Romford saying “The Sapphire is the loudest and proudest in the league and we will continue to work hard behind the scenes to provide superb entertainment.
Albeit winning 6/10 games by one goal isn't great for my blood pressure but it's great entertainment for the fans to come back and watch another game. We Look forward to seeing what the future has in place for the Romford Raiders.”
