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RAIDERS TAME THE TIGERS !!!! (17-Sep-07) Wightlink Raiders made it two league wins in a row on Sunday night to move joint top of the Premier League. Les Millie's men crushed Telford Tigers 9-1 after a 6 goal second period blitz that had Ryde Arena rocking and left Claude Dumas's team stunned. Robert Franc, Gareth Endicott, Norman Pinnington and Mike Hargreaves all pitched in with two goals each while Jason Coles also got on the scoresheet. The result leaves the Raiders with a better goal difference than league leaders Chelmsford but second courtesy of the Chieftains win over the Raiders last weekend. In an astonishing night of results elsewhere Bracknell were thrashed 8-1 at home by Swindon, Slough slumped to defeat at Romford and Chelmsford suffered a home defeat at the hands of Milton Keynes. The results suggest this year could be the most wide open Premier League yet. Raiders club director Andy Shier is full of praise for the way Les Millie is taking the team forward. "The guys took some unnecessary flack after the first couple of games when it was obvious it would take time for a new team to gel. But they've been working really hard and it was clear against Bracknell on Saturday that they were hitting form and were going to give someone a good hiding. All four imports were in devastating form and that second period performance was as good as any Raiders team have played in recent years. We've told Les though that we don't pay him to stand around and watch other players scoring goals...we expect at least three a game from him from now on !!" The Raiders have a well deserved day off on Saturday before travelling to Surrey for the small matter of a league meeting with the Guildford Flames. Next home game for the Raiders is on Sat 29th against Romford. |
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MILLIE GEARING UP FOR DOUBLE HEADER
(10-Sep-07)
Wightlink Raiders will face a massive early test tomorrow as they face league and play off champions Bracknell Bees in the first of two home games this weekend. The Bracknell Cup match will be followed by the first league meeting with Telford Tigers this season also at Ryde Arena. The Telford game will be the first of several 'Kids for a Quid' games scheduled this year. Last weekend the Raiders picked up their first win away at Romford and player coach Les Millie is hoping to build on that win. "Its a real shame most of our fans didn't get to see the first win but we hope to make up for that this weekend. It was an amazing game at Romford...we started slowly and it cost us dearly going 3-0 down before we knew it. I had changed the lines around to shake things up a bit after Saturday and when we'd all got used to it we started playing the hockey we knew we were capable of." Millie is expecting two great games for the fans. "Bracknell are champions and they'll want to see how far we've come so far. Telford have also strengthened pre season and no team coached by Claude Dumas can be taken lightly. But we truly believe we're capable of two wins so the guys are ready." Saturday's face off against Bracknell is at 6pm. Sunday's match with Telford starts at 5.30. |
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RAIDERS BAG FIRST WIN !!
(10-Sep-07)
Wightlink Raiders staged a brilliant comeback in Essex last night to pick up their first win of the new campaign away to old rivals Romford. Les Millie's team were 3-0 and 4-1 down but fought back in great style with two goals each from Millie and Gareth Endicott and a goal apiece from Robert Franc and Jason Coles. Sunday's win follows defeat on Saturday as Chelmsford came from 2-0 down to beat the Raiders 4-2.
Head coach Millie says it was a weekend of mixed emotions. |
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DON'T HIT THE PANIC BUTTON YET !!
(03-Sep-07) Wightlink Raiders Head Coach Les Millie is urging supporters to have faith in his new look team despite tasting defeat in Sunday's challenge match with Invicta. Millie used Sunday's game to try out new systems and give all players the chance to impress. The Raiders took an early first period lead and scored again in the second but were undone by three unanswered Invicta goals in the last 25 minutes. Millie says he saw some encouraging signs in the game. "I'm not that disappointed with our overall performance. yes there are things we can improve on but we'll work on them in training. I'm obviously not happy that we didn't win particularly as I felt we had enough chances to win the game comfortably." The Raiders start their league campaign against Chelmsford at Ryde Arena this Saturday and Les says there are plenty of positives to work on before the weekend. "We'd only had 2 training sessions and after 1 game i think there is plenty to be encouraged by. Its a new look team and it will take time for us to gel and for the new guys to get used to things like the size of the ice pad. But this is why we were so keen to get a pre season match under our belts...so that we can iron out and work on any areas that need looking at." |
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PLAYERS INTRODUCED TO FANS
(24-Aug-07)
Les Millie finally got to unveil his new look Wightlink Raiders squad to the fans last night as the supporters club held their annual Meet the Players night. The four directors were also introduced to the supporters and the team's main sponsors for the new season were also thanked for their support including Wight Motors who have just agreed to provide Millie with a team Seat Ibiza car. The team will be back together on Tuesday and Thursday nights next week for their final training sessions ahead of the challenge match with Invicta on Sunday 2nd Sept. Les Millie says he's pleased with the way things are going behind the scenes so far, "We can't wait to get started now. There's a good positive feeling around the squad and all the guys are really up for the challenge. The Slovak boys are settling in well and we've all got a really good feeling about the new season." But the new Head Coach refuses to be drawn on who'll be playing with who on the new lines, "I have worked it out already but you'll just have to wait and see...!!" he says. |
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SLOVAKS ARRIVE ON ISLAND
(20-Aug-07)
The Wightlink Raiders will train with their full squad for the first time tomorrow night (Tuesday) ahead of the new Premier League season which is now just two weeks away. The three Slovakian imports Robert Franc, Slavomir Sojak and Milan Kabat all arrived in the UK today (Monday) and will train with their new team-mates at Ryde Arena tomorrow night. Meanwhile the club will launch the New Official Raiders Website on the evening of Friday 31st August, and the NEW Raiders Team Shirt will finally be unveiled at the HOME game against Invicta on Sun 2nd Sep. |
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WIGHTLINK CONTINUE SUPPORT FOR RAIDERS
(06-Aug-07)
Raiders management would like to thank Wightlink IOW Ferries for their continued support of the Island's Premier League ice hockey team. Wightlink have agreed to be the club's title sponsors for another year providing invaluable support for the team for travel to and from the mainland. Andy Shier from the management team says the brutal facts are without Wightlink there would be no team. "The cost of running a semi professional sports team is substantial and with the travel on top we would never be a viable club. Put quite simply Wightlink have been largely responsible for enabling ice hockey to continue on the Island over the last few years. They are an enormous help to us in so many ways and we'd like to say a big thank you to them for continuing that unwavering support again this year." Meanwhile head coach Les Millie has now started his full time role fronting the Raiders and is working hard to help secure the extra sponsorship needed for the new season. Pre season training will start in the next couple of weeks. |
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FIXTURES RELEASED (26-Jul-07)
The Wightlink Raiders are pleased to be able to publish our fixtures for the forthcoming season which will begin with a pre season challenge match against last season's ENL South champions. Old rivals Invicta Dynamos will be the first test for Les Millie's new look Raiders team as they take to the ice for a challenge on Sunday 2nd September. The league season will start 6 days later with Chelmsford, Bracknell, Telford and Romford all visiting Ryde Arena during September. 2007-2008 season ticket holders will receive FREE entry to the Invicta game which will face off at 17.30. |
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TEAM CAPTAIN ANNOUNCED
(13-Jul-07)
Wightlink Raiders Head Coach Les Millie has named Norman Pinnington as his captain for the new Premier League season which starts in September. The veteran British forward takes over the captaincy from Steve Gannaway who's likely to miss the first months of the season through injury. Assistant captains will be Jason Coles and new signing Gareth Endicott. Les Millie says Norm was the only man for the job, "Norm is passionate, hard working and dedicated. All the things you want a captain to be to set an example to his team mates. I can't think of anyone better to lead the team into this exciting new era." |
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FIRST SPONSOR FOR THE NEW SEASON
(09-Jul-07)
The Wightlink Raiders are pleased to announce our first Sponsor for the new season – Tower Financial Services are new to the Island and are owned and run by Phil Rugg who lives in Brighstone. Tower is well established in the south west of the UK and in addition to all the usual financial products, they specialise in mortgages. Their motto is “Making Mortgages Easy!” The Raiders are delighted to welcome Tower to the Island and we hope that our relationship will develop over the coming years. As with all of our sponsors, they need your business, so if you are in the market for a new mortgage, or a re-mortgage, give them a try. Tower are registered with the Financial Services Authority, and can be contacted via their Website or by Telephone on 01823 673306 |
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FINAL SUMMER SIGNING CONFIRMED (03-Jul-07)
The Wightlink Raiders have now completed their squad for the start of the new Premier League season with the signing of forward Michael Hargreaves. 27 year old Mike played for the Raiders for several years before joining Swindon where he played for 4 seasons prior to rejoining the Island team towards the end of last season. Head coach Les Millie says Hargreaves brings added experience to his squad for the new campaign. "Mikey is a hard working, no nonsense forward who has a good pedigree in the EPL. I felt we needed another guy with his experience as we need more depth in a squad which has lacked it in recent years. It gives me more options and with the workrate I already have in the team another like Mike will do us no harm at all." The Raiders squad is now complete and the full squad list is shown on the 'Roster' page. These players will be pulling on new Raiders shirts in September with the new designs set to be revealed in the next couple of weeks. |
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STEVE
GANNAWAY RETURNS (29-Jun-07)
Steve Gannaway is back with the Wightlink Raiders 16 years after he made his first appearance for the old Solent Vikings back in 1991. Ganners has made over 500 appearances for the Raiders and has signed to help out on the bench after he completes a Level 1 coaching course this summer. His knee injury means he's unlikely to pull on his famous number 3 shirt until later in the season. Head coach Les Millie says Ganners is a Raider through and through. "Steve has been the mainstay of the Raiders for many years and i'm delighted he's agreed to come on board again this season. His experience and enthusiasm are just what we need and he'll be a big help to me as an extra pair of eyes from the sidelines. He's also itching to get playing again and is determined to prove his fitness as the season goes on." |
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COLES TO FILL FINAL IMPORT SLOT
(26-Jun-07)
The Wightlink Raiders are delighted to announce that Jason Coles has been signed up to fill the final import slot for the new season. 33 year old Coles will be starting his 8th season as a Raider after a long career which started in the OHL back in 1990. He is one of the Raiders all time top points scorers with over 400 points during his time here. Jason spent more than three years as Player Coach of the Raiders but will this season concentrate totally on playing. Head coach Les Millie says he's convinced he can get the best out of his latest signing. "Jason epitomises everything that the Raiders stand for. He and his young family have been through a tough time in the last year. But seeing and speaking with Jason his lust for life and hockey has returned and he wants to prove what a top player he can be in this league and without a shadow of a doubt he will be. I have nothing but respect for Jason as a person and a hockey player and it takes a lot of character to bounce back from recent disappointments, that is why he must be part of my plans. He has an enthusiasm and desire to help make the Raiders great again but also on a personal level he's determined to show himself and fans what he's all about and that's a genuine, proven goal scorer and player. He's in great shape right now and is excited about the new season and I for one am glad he's wearing a Raiders shirt this coming season rather than another." The final import signing inevitably means that Scott Carter won't be returning to a Raiders shirt for this season. Scott has been an integral part of the Raiders squad for the past 10 seasons and has been offered a testimonial for the coming season. "Scott is naturally disappointed but understands why I've had to make the decisions I have. He's been an amazing servant to the club and I've offered him the chance to be involved in some capacity next season. I know management want to thank him for all his efforts on and off the ice over the years and he will always be welcome at our games." Millie has also confirmed that Dominic Hopkins, Stuart Tait and Carl Graham won't be returning this season. "All three made significant contributions to the team last year but I need to take the team forward and tough decisions have had to be made. I want to wish them all the best for the future and assure them they'll receive a warm Raiders welcome when they next visit us on the Island. " |
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FORMER ELITE PLAYER HEADS UP TWO MORE SIGNINGS (21-Jun-07)
The Raiders are continuing to build for the new season and have today strengthened the squad with two more signings. 25 year old Richard Wojciak joins after playing for Milton Keynes and Solihull last season. Prior to that Wojciak played with Elite League outfit Nottingham Panthers after starting his career at Swindon where he played with Gareth Endicott and Andrew Shurmer. Wojciak who stands at 5'10 has been described as a fast skilful player and he will play in his preferred position of defence for the Raiders. He is also a former Great Britain junior international. Head coach Les Millie is delighted to have Richard on board. "Most people will associate Richard as being a forward but they couldn't be further from the truth, Richard is a natural defenceman and has had to adapt for other teams as they played him up front, he was eager to get back on the blue line and from the comments I've had from coaches and players he will be one of the best British D-Men in the league. Mike Ellis of the Nottingham Panthers also talks highly of Richard and was one of the contacts I spoke at length about with this signing." Also back for his second season with the team is Nicky Watt who'll be 21 next month. Nicky joined the Raiders from Slough last season and finished the season as the team's second highest penalty taker. Prior to playing for Slough Nicky represented Great Britain at Under 18 level and also played for Basingstoke in ED1. "I am giving Nicky the opportunity this season to show me the kind of hockey player I know he can be, he can play really well but, and will agree with most people's opinion that he didn't play anywhere near what he is capable of last season. He will play a pivotal role in the team this season and I'm hoping for big things from him, playing and points wise." |
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RAIDERS ANNOUNCE SEASON TICKET PRICES (14-Jun-07)
The Wightlink Raiders are pleased to announce that season tickets are now on sale for the exciting
re-launch of the Raiders for the 2007-2008 season.
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RAIDERS BOLSTER DEFENCE FURTHER
(29-May-07)
Wightlink Raiders have further bolstered their defence for the new season with the signing of two more defencemen. 23 year old Andrew Shurmer is a product of Swindon's youth development programme and has spent 7 seasons playing for Swindon's senior sides in the English Premier League. Last season he iced for Swindon Wildcats before leaving in February to spend more time with his young family. Head coach Les Millie is delighted Andrew has joined the Raiders set up. "Andrew is a solid, steady, reliable D-man and gives us further depth in our defensive department as we continue to strengthen the squad. He comes to us from a good season with Swindon and hopes to continue that with the Raiders this coming season." Also signing for the Raiders for his second season is 19 year old Will Francis. Will impressed in his debut year becoming a main player in the Raiders defence despite comparative lack of experience. His efforts were rewarded when the Supporters Club named him 'Best Newcomer' in the end of season awards. Joining Will on the team will be his younger brother 17 year old James. James spent most of his ice time playing up front last season but can also play in defence. His first season with the Raiders ended with him representing England Under 18's in Nottingham. Les Millie is pleased to welcome back the Francis brothers. "Most people took it as a sure thing that these 2 young men would be back in the squad with the connection Tony has with the team, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Will has had a few offers from other EPL clubs this summer but stated that he wished to continue his development with us on the island. The same goes for James, he's had a successful time with the Raiders last season and many people have seen the improvements he's made, couple that with playing for his conference the future looks bright for the Francis brothers and i only hope that we can develop these two guys further so they become the cornerstone of our team for years to come." Also back for the new season is another promising youngster Steve Gossett. Steve was the Raiders most improved player in the 2005/2006 season and played part of last season before leaving to go travelling. |
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ANOTHER NAME ADDED TO THE ROSTER (25-May-07)
The Wightlink Raiders have today completed the signing of feisty forward Gareth Endicott from Swindon. 29 year old Endicott played for the Raiders briefly in the mid 90's but has spent the last 10 years with Swindon where two years ago he was their top British points scorer. Last season Gareth posted league stats of 12 goals and 14 assists from 40 games, also picking up 84 penalty minutes. Head coach Les Millie says Gareth will be an important player for the Raiders this season, "Two other EPL clubs were chasing his signature but Gareth has chosen the Raiders because he realises what we're trying to do here and is excited by the prospect. He's a proven player at this level. His all round workrate is superb and he'll be a valued addition to our squad." |
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HIGHLY RATED SCOT SIGNS FOR RAIDERS (24-May-07)
Wightlink Raiders Head Coach Les Millie has today secured the signing of highly rated Scottish defenceman Chad Reekie for the new Premier League season which starts in September. 21 year old Reekie is a Great Britain Under 20 international and signs after spending last year with the Fife Flyers in the Scottish National League. Prior to that Reekie played for Dundee in the BNL as well as spending a season in the EPL with Slough Jets. Millie says Chad has been on his hit-list for some time. I've been an admirer of Chad's for many years, I've watched him grow up and develop into a great hockey player. He hails from my home town so I know what I'm getting in terms of commitment and ability having seen him progress from a junior into a top class player. The experience he brings having played in the BNL with Dundee, Fife and in the EPL with Slough will be invaluable, he's a solid guy who knows his role. Having spoken with him several times recently, he has told he he can't wait for the season to start and join us all on the island and give the fans and the club a taste of playoff hockey again. This is another part of the puzzle that gets increasingly stronger every week, as I've previously stated we need solid players and solid defence and in Chad we have just that. I'm delighted he has agreed to join us and look forward to seeing him in Raider colours this coming season. Meanwhile forwards Daniel Giden and Andy Robinson have put pen to paper for another year with the team. Giden will be starting his 6th season as a full time Raider although he missed most of the second part of last season with a knee injury. Prior to his injury he was the team's top points scorer. In his last full season (2005-2006) he scored 29 points in 45 regular games. Andy Robinson joined the Raiders from Basingstoke Buffalo in 2003 and this will be his 5th straight season in a Raiders shirt. 'Robbo' has been a regular on the team since he joined and his no nonsense approach has seen him become a fans favourite over the years. Millie is pleased to have both players back on board. "Both guys live locally and i know both feel they have something to prove after the team's performances over the last couple of years. Dan, in particular, was unlucky last season and was playing well before his injury. I look forward to getting a lot more from both players this season." |
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RAIDERS SNAP UP TOP SLOVAK NETMINDER (18-May-07)
The Wightlink Raiders have today completed the signing of experienced Slovakian netminder Slavomir Sojak from French first division team Moselle Amneville HC. 29 year old Sojak has spent the last 5 seasons playing in France. Prior to that he played in various Slovakian leagues. He is also a former Slovakian junior international and has played for Slovakia's international B team. Head coach Les Millie says Slavomir comes to the club highly recommended. "This is a clear statement that we will mean business next season with the signing of Slavomir. I stated when i started recruiting that we needed some solid defence and a netminder is the cornerstone of that, Slavomir ended the year at Dijon in the FR Magnus league on loan from his club to help in their relegation playoffs, that alone shows the kind of quality we are getting here. Slavomir was always one of the front runners for this position although i had other options, I believe we have found a new crowd favourite to join us on the island. His stats speak for themselves having played Extraliga. 1.liga and in France in both FR Magnus and Fr 1, and he will immediately give our defensive unit a new found confidence knowing they have solid tending behind them and therefore cutting down on the amount of shots we were conceding last season and giving us the opportunity to win more games. Like all the recent signings I've made, I'm confident that we will be a different entity this season and it will no longer be 2 point island to our visitors. I like the shape of the team and the direction we are heading and this signing has re-iterated that." The Raiders have also completed the signing of more local talent in the form of Toby Cooley who will be Slavomir's goaltending partner next season. It will be Toby's 9th season as a senior Raider. Les says Toby will have a huge part to play next year. "Toby has an excellent future ahead of him and hopefully with Slavomir on board he will improve and learn even more. Toby understands why I've made the decisions I have made and is looking forward to challenging for the No.1 spot and also improving at the same time, he has the ability to get there and myself as a coach will do all I can to embrace his learning and development." |
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RAIDERS ADD TWO OLD FACES TO ROSTER (14-May-07)
The Wightlink Raiders have moved quickly to secure the services of fans favourite Norman Pinnington for his third straight season with the Raiders. Norm, who topped the team penalty minutes last season, will return for what will be his 21st season in a top British league. Head coach Les Millie is delighted to have Norm back. "I'm really pleased to have Norm back with us for the coming season. Having played against him for many years I know the kind of player I'm getting. He's a hard working, hard hitting, no-nonsense type of guy . He's the kind of player every team needs, he creates opportunities for his fellow line mates with his aggressive style of play and knows what it takes to be a winner. He keeps himself in great shape and is a very tough character who can't get enough of the game, Norm like me is an old school type of player and will give 110% every time he hits the ice. I'm very pleased he's agreed to join us for this current season." Meanwhile the Raiders have also agreed terms with Damon Larter who returns to the squad after taking last season out to concentrate on roller hockey. Damon, who turned 21 last week, was a member of the Wightlink Wildcats team who won the English Under 19's B league in 2002 and will be playing his 5th season as a senior Raider. Millie says Damon's versatility means he will be a useful member of the squad. "Not knowing a lot about Damon, I've had to rely heavily on recommendations from fellow players who have played alongside him. Despite having a year out i felt this season was a perfect opportunity to allow Damon to show what he's made off, he has showed me that he wants to play and is willing to do whatever it takes to work his way back into the squad and that has to be applauded. He is under no illusions that it will be difficult but he's relishing the task and I'm sure with the ability he possess he will become a very important cog in the Raiders team." |
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SECOND SLOVAKIAN SIGNS FOR RAIDERS (10-May-07)
The Wightlink Raiders can today confirm that 21 year old defenceman Milan Kabat has become Les Millie's second signing in the last few days. Kabat's signing follows that of forward Robert Franc over the weekend. Milan Kabat has spent the last four seasons playing for VTJ Topolcany in the Slovakian First Division and last season posted stats of 5 goals and 15 assists with 42 penalty minutes. Head coach Millie says this of his new signings, "I'm really excited about having these 2 guys on board, they both show huge potential to be up there with the best imports in this league. Milan is a no-nonsense defender who has great offensive capabilities, he will bring a much more solidified defense to our hockey club this coming season which is one of the areas that requires attention. Robert has great offensive skills and his points tally over the last few years prove that, despite not being the tallest he has a huge desire and is tenacious along with being a highly skilled player." Les says more new signings are imminent, "The progress we are making with the signing of these 2 guys alone, i hope will show our fans and the rest of the EPL that we will be a match for any team this season. And will achieve a far higher league position than people will expect after these last few dark years. I will have further players to release in the next few weeks and beyond if things go to plan. I am at advanced stages of negotiations with a few players and hope to have them tied up by the end of this week! |
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RAIDERS GO EAST FOR FIRST SIGNING (05-May-07)
The Wightlink Raiders have turned to Slovakia for their first signing ahead of the new Premier League season. The first new face is forward Robert Franc who signs after spending last season with ESV Konigsbrunn in Germany's Bayernliga. Prior to that Franc played for Slovakian First Division team HK Humenne where he ended the season as the league's second top scorer and his team's leading scorer with 23 goals and 19 assists from 43 games. Franc is 23 and is described as a fast skater with a hard shot and natural goal scoring ability. He has been the top scorer at each of his last 4 clubs. Another Slovakian player is currently in advanced talks with the Raiders and we expect to announce his signature over the next few days. |
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RAIDERS SET TO UNVEIL FIRST IMPORT SIGNINGS (02-May-07)
The Wightlink Raiders have agreed terms with two new imports as Les Millie's rebuilding of the team begins in earnest. Contracts have gone out to the two players and their identities will be confirmed next week once the signed contracts are returned to the Island. Both players are Slovakian and are new to the Premier League. One is a 21 year old defenceman, the other a 23 year old forward. Talks are also continuing with a number of other players and announcements will be made over the coming weeks. |
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MASSIVE SIGNING FOR RAIDERS (17-Apr-07) The Wightlink Raiders are delighted to announce the appointment of British ice hockey legend Les Millie as their new Player Coach. The 34 year old Scot, recently Assistant Coach at Sheffield Scimitars, has agreed terms to take over and lead the Raiders into the 2007-2008 Premier League campaign. Former Superleague star Millie started his career in his native Scotland spending four seasons with Fife Flyers before moving to start the first of 7 seasons with Sheffield Steelers. Millie has also played for Coventry, Edinburgh and Newcastle. In the last two years he has been assistant to Neil Abel at Sheffield’s EPL team helping them to the runners up spot in this year’s table and to the play off finals in Coventry at the weekend. More player signings will be announced over the next few weeks. Raiders spokesman Andy Shier says this is proof that the Raiders mean business next season. “Two years of struggle are well behind us now and this appointment reflects our ambition to take this club up to the next level. We saw a number of impressive candidates, but we were won over by Les’s commitment, enthusiasm and obviously the fact that he's one of the biggest names in British ice hockey!! Les has already started his team building and we’re hopeful we can impress the fans with some big name signings over the coming weeks.” Millie himself is relishing the challenge of bringing the glory days back to Ryde Arena. “This is undoubtedly a big challenge and one which I know I will relish. The guys down here have ambitions which match mine and I'm really looking forward to getting going. It will be a wrench to leave the Scimitars. we've had a terrific season but its time for me to move on and have a stab at something new." |
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Old News Archive - 2003 / 4 , 2004 / 5 , 2005 / 6 , 2006 / 7 |
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