Club History and Performance Statistics.

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Raiders IHC, originally founded in 1987 as the Romford Raiders, has established itself as a stalwart of British ice hockey. Based in Romford, the team initially played at the Romford Ice Arena in the London Borough of Havering and quickly became a key figure in the English Premier Ice Hockey League as one of its founder members. In 2012, the club transitioned to the National Division of the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL), the second tier in the British ice hockey pyramid, where the pace and competitive spirit of the team found new expression.

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The club’s journey has been marked by periods of relocation and transformation. In 2013, the Raiders moved to Leyton in East London, rebranding as the London Raiders, but the essence of their identity—reflected in their enduring team colours of white, gold, and blue—remained unchanged. The supporters, affectionately known as the Gold and Blue Army, continued to show unwavering loyalty throughout these changes. Their passionate following has often been cited as a driving force behind the team’s perseverance and success.

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A significant chapter unfolded in 2018 when the Raiders returned to their Romford roots, rekindling their connection with the local community. They maintained the Raiders name until 2024, when the historic Romford Raiders title was officially reinstated, much to the delight of the club’s long-standing fans.

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The club’s early days are fondly remembered for the leadership of its first coach, Gord Jeffrey, whose dedication and charisma earned him legendary status among the Romford faithful.

Throughout their evolution, the Romford Raiders have remained synonymous with community, resilience, and a vibrant sporting tradition, continuing to compete at a high level and inspire fans both old and new.

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The modern era sees the Raiders under the guidance of head coach Jason Buckman, who leads the team into the new season with ambition and focus. Last season, the Raiders secured a 7th-place finish in the league and advanced to the playoff quarterfinals, demonstrating both the competitive edge and determination that have long defined the club. With Buckman at the helm, hopes are high for building on this foundation and achieving even greater success in the campaigns ahead.

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A defining narrative of the most recent regular season was the remarkable offensive contribution of Shaun Miller, whose scoring prowess elevated the Raiders’ fortunes. Miller emerged as an indispensable force, lighting the lamp 42 times in 46 games while also notching 54 assists—numbers that combined for a staggering team record of 96 points. His dynamic presence extended beyond the scoresheet; with a team-high 90 penalty minutes.

The Raiders’ attacking depth was further underscored by Andrew Shewfelt, who matched Miller’s 54 assists over the course of just 45 games. Shewfelt’s vision and unyielding commitment to playmaking ensured the Raiders maintained a potent threat in the offensive zone, frequently setting the tempo and creating opportunities for teammates.

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As the team transitioned into the playoffs, a new wave of brilliance emerged, most notably through Reed Morrison. Morrison’s postseason heroics saw him find the net 10 times in only 6 playoff appearances, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer whose goal-scoring instincts shone brightest under pressure. His all-around excellence was reflected in a total of 15 points. Shewfelt led the team in assists during the postseason with 8 in just 5 games.  Harvey Briggs made his presence felt with a robust, physical approach, amassing 25 penalty minutes over 4 playoff contests.

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 In the regular season, Ethan James shouldered the bulk of the workload between the pipes, making 36 appearances and registering a respectable save percentage of 88.52%. Supporting him, Owen Rider featured in 22 games, maintaining a save percentage of 87.99%, further underscoring the team’s goalkeeping depth. The Raiders also benefited from the contributions of their backup goaltenders: Max Van Mullem and Matt Smital each took to the ice once, posting save percentages of 100% and 93.33%, respectively. Thomas Brown brought energy and determination across three games, recording an 82.35% save percentage, while Dylan Phillips made a single appearance, stopping pucks at a rate of 78.95%.

Owen Rider played every minute of the Raiders’ six playoff contests, turning in a commendable save percentage of 87.12%. This steady presence in goal provided a crucial backbone for the team’s playoff run, complementing the offensive fireworks and physical grit that defined the Raiders’ spirited campaign.

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