The Wightlink Raiders continue to build for the new ice hockey season with another clutch of signings in the last week.
Captain Damon Larter returns for another season after leading the team to their first silverware in 14 years this year. 25 year old Damon made his debut for the Raiders when he was just 15 and has been a regular in the team over the last few seasons.
Despite his young age he’s already considered to be one of the club’s greatest ever players.
Player coach Jeremy Cornish is thrilled to have him on the team again, “We are very excited to have our captain back for the upcoming season. Damon is a local boy and is not only one of the best defencemen in the league, he is also a top role model for all the kids in the junior programme who aspire to play for the Raiders. Damon will be responsible for leading the team on and off the ice this season, a job I think he’s very good at.”
Keiran Annis returns for a third year
Another former Isle of Wight junior has also signed for the new season.
20 year old forward Keiran Annis returns for his third successive season wearing the number 13 shirt.
Daniel Pye joins from Newcastle Vipers
Two new faces were also confirmed this week with two exciting youngsters signing for the Raiders for the first time. 20 year old defenceman Daniel Pye has spent the last two seasons playing in Newcastle and has made 30 appearances for their Elite League team Newcastle Vipers.
Cornish says Dan looks to be a solid player who will bring a lot to the team this season, “Dan is a big hard nosed d-man that will take care of business in his own zone. He fits right in line with the type of players we want on the Island, he’s played in the Elite League and he wants to come to the Island and help us win and get better as a player. I played in Newcastle for a couple seasons and have had some very good reports on Dan and I’m looking forward to working with him this year.”
Conor Pollard new signing from Peterborough Phantoms
Also new to the Raiders is 18 year old Conor Pollard, described by some as one of the most exciting young forwards in the country. Conor has signed a two way contract with English Premier League team Peterborough Phantoms and will play for them when the Raiders don’t have a game. He scored an astonishing 36 goals for the Junior Phantoms in just 17 games this season.
More player announcements are due later this week as the Raiders try and confirm their full squad as quickly as possible. Their defence of their ENL title will begin in September.
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Nicky Craft
