A new face for the Raiders as they add more local youth to the roster.

May 19, 2023

Raiders management are pleased to welcome 20 year old forward Owen Dell who joins Raiders on a two way deal with Invicta Dynamos.

Owen played his junior career in the Invicta organisation where at Under 18 level, he scored 79 goals and 25 assists for 104 points in 45 appearances.

Owen progressed into the Invicta Mustang teams at the age of 16; and after 8 appearance stepped up to the Dynamos, where he played until the Covid outbreak, making 72 appearances scoring 31 goals and 15 assists for 46 points.

During the covid season, Owen made 14 appearances for Haringey Huskies in the NIHL1 Cup scoring four goals and three assists. Owen then furthered his experience by moving to USA to play for Hershey Cubs in USPHL (US Premier Junior Hockey League, for whom Owen made 72 appearances, scoring 25 goals and 32 assists for 57 points, leaving him as the team’s all time leading assists and points scoring.

Owen was selected for the GB team going to the Under 20 World Championships in Romania and returned with a bronze medal.

After leaving Hershey Cubs, Owen returned to Invicta in January 2023, and made 15 appearances, scoring 13 goals and 8 assists for 21 points, collecting an NIHL S1 Cup winners medal.

Coach Sean Easton explains the tie up.

“I’m looking forward to working with Owen and thanks to the Invicta organisation for giving opportunities at National League level when their fixtures allow. Owen will train with both teams helping to develop his game even more.

“Owen was a promising talent through juniors and now he has had experience abroad he has come back with a wealth of knowledge and advanced his skill set.

Owen was always a dynamic forward on and off the puck and on his return to the Dynamos at the back end of last season he was a dominant player being involved heavily in their offensive game.

Owen took some time out for a few questions to learn a bit more about the player and his adventure in the US where he spent a couple of seasons in Hershey.

On his familiarity with the league he has just signed up for…

“I haven’t really had a chance to follow the National League too much. A busy schedule in the States definitely made it difficult to do so. America was a pretty similar standard to Div 1. There was probably more depth in all the teams in America as well as some top quality players who were my age.”

And on the American experience….

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time in America and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Met some amazing people and made some life long friends in a small town in PA that’s best known for its Chocolate. Not many 18/19 year olds can say that they have done that.”

Owen has also played for junior GB teams…

“Playing for GB was one of the most surreal feelings of my life. The pride I felt pulling on the jersey was immense. Especially being a lad from Invicta it hasn’t happened very often in the past! Winning a medal topped off an unforgettable experience.”

On the long term rivalry and familiarity with the Raiders….

“Growing up I had several encounters with the Romford boys. The main standouts at my age group were always Ewan Hill purely based on his ability to score. Tjay Anderson who was always a small (believe it or not) shifty, skilled forward. And they was back stopped by Brad Windebank who was always a top top goalie growing up.” 

And what he thinks about the forthcoming National League campaign……

“I think the National League is heading in a very positive direction. It seems to be extremely competitive and it’s something I am excited to be involved in. It will be fun travelling the country playing in rinks i’m yet to play in, at a top level. Hull seem to be shaping up really well bringing in former players. And obviously Leeds are a very talented side. I think the Raiders will definitely be a side to watch out for this season and I can’t wait to get started in September! “

And when reminded that the great Gordie Howe once said that anyone who is anyone in hockey has played at Hershey…..

“That Hershey quote is one of my favorite quotes ever😂”

Welcome to the Raiders Owen. With luck the two teams schedules will allow you plenty of games in the National League wearing the Gold and Blue.

Copyright Raiders Ice Hockey 2018