Julian Smith returns for a sixth season on defence for the Gold and Blue, having first iced for the Raiders in season 2010/11, making his debut in a 6 – 0 ENL home win against Bristol Pitbulls,
Last season, “Jules” made 44 appearances for the Raiders, scoring 10 assists. To date Julian has made 220 appearances in all competitions (154 league appearances) and is ranked 18th in overall Raider appearances. For Raiders Julian has scored 12 goals which together with 101 assists for 113 points (10+80 for 90 league points) for a Raiders scoring ranking of 44th overall
Now 31 Julian started his career at Peterborough, his then home town team, progressing to make his senior debut for Peterborough Phantoms in 2002/3. He played for Great Britain in World Championships at both Under 18 and Under 20. In his time as a Phantom Julian made 286 appearances in EPL League, Cup and Play Off competitions, highlighted by being a member of the all conquering 2008/9 treble winning Phantoms. Julian also made 3 appearances for Nottingham Panthers in the Elite League.
Julian signed for the Raiders at the end of 2009/10 season, and remained for three seasons until the move to Lee Valley. In his final season as a Raider Julian captained the Raiders to the ENL South 1 league title. Julian then joined Chelmsford Chieftains where in three seasons he won a further three NIHL South league titles, the last two as Captain, in addition to wins in Play Offs, League Cups and South East trophies, including his second career clean sweep in his last season for Chieftains in 2015/6.
In all Julian made 141 appearances for Chieftains scoring 6 goals and getting 49 assists for 55 points.
Julian has high hopes for the coming campaign and the reinvigorated energy generated by the Sapphire.
“I am really pleased to be returning to the Raiders for 2018/19 and to make it my 6th season in the Gold and Blue shirt. The hockey buzz is well and truly back in Romford and it’s an exciting thought at what the upcoming season holds for the club. I am looking forward to helping the team build on what it achieved last year and excited to get back to training”
Sean Easton is looking for a big season from Smith who by his own admission was a bit off colour last year.
“Julian is a steady reliable d, big in stature and strong. Looking this year for Jules to be more physical and using his size and strength more like the days I played against him in RVW.
Jules also leads the way on and off the ice, a voice you can always hear for encouragement or just putting a rocket in some people. He’s an athlete and is always in great shape and is an asset to any team, luckily the Raiders.
Welcome back Jules!
