Raiders fans are counting the days for the first action at the Sapphire as both the National League and Div 1 action are looming large on a close horizon.
Saturday 7th September sees of course the first hockey action at the Sapphire as the Div 1 team take on Oxford in the first of their pre-season pair of challenge games.
The National League squad are going to be busy that day too, as a team challenge event sees them pitting their wits (and survival skills) at Stubber activities centre in Upminster. Expect plenty of updates on twitter and instagram as the lads make sure the highs (and lows) of their team mates performances are recorded for all to see!
Following the Oxford game the “Meet The Players” event will be taking place at the Collier Row Catholic Club in Lowshoe Lane, Collier Row. We are hopeful that the Own And Loan shirts will be with us by that time so there may well be photo opportunities with your shirt and “your” player. Both Div 1 and National squads will be present so it is going to be a busy evening. The doors are expected to open for this around 7-00pm for those not able to go to the Oxford game.
There are of course plenty of new faces in the team this season as well as the return of some good friends so get there if you can.
Sunday 8th September sees a return of the “Skate With The Players” event that was so popular last season, but there is more….
The Sapphire will host an open training session and photo session so “Own And Loan” sponsors get another chance to be photographed with their player for this coming season.
Again its a busy day so the schedule looks something like this
5-00pm-5-15pm 2019 2020 Team photos on ice
5-15pm to 5-30pm Sponsors photos on ice
5-30pm to 6-45pm Training session, open to fan viewing.
7-00pm to 8-00pm Skate with the players
Would we be surprised if a small gathering of fans congregated at Yates afterwards? Probably not.
The skate with the players event will require a ticket from ground floor reception at £2 and these will be available from 5-00pm
So enjoy this, your last weekend of peaceful (boring) sanity, because the hockey madness gets into full swing next weekend!
