The Wightlink Raiders will take on old rivals Chelmsford Chieftains this weekend hoping to add the play off championship to the league title they won last month.
A near sell out crowd is expected to pack Ryde Arena on Saturday night for the first leg with at least two coach loads travelling up to Essex on Sunday for the decisive second leg.
If they win it will become the most successful season in the Raiders 19 year history with three trophies gracing the Ryde trophy cabinet for the first time ever.
Chelmsford strong rivals on papers
Chelmsford have yet to beat the Raiders in four meetings this season but on paper have a formidable line-up with former Raider Tom Long among their top players. They finished runners up in the league and the two draws when the teams met in Chelmsford ended up proving decisive in the end.
Raiders player coach Jeremy Cornish was this week voted the ENL Coach of the Year and four other players also made the Pro Hockey News All Star Team. Goalie Matt Colclough was named top netminder with captain Damon Larter, Dominic Hopkins and Robbie Brown all making the line up as well.
Face off for the biggest match in the ENL season is at 6pm on Saturday with the return leg in Essex starting at 6.30pm.
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Nicky Craft
