Raiders are delighted to announce that two players on two way contracts with Raiders 2 last season have both accepted full time National League contracts for the forthcoming season.
Marco Pascale
20 years old D man Marco Pascale’s progress on a 2 way contract in 22-23 season has earned him a full time contract with Raiders National League team for the 2023/24 season.
After making his Raiders debut in November 2022, Marco has made 21 appearances for Raiders scoring an empty net goal on 5th March, with a shot the length of the rink to complete a win against Telford Tigers at the Sapphire. He added two further points from assists later in the season.
In addition to his appearances for Raiders National League, he has been a key member of the Raiders Div1 team for the past three seasons making 94 appearances and scored 18 goals and 37 assists for a total of 55 points for the team that included his twin brother Luca.
Marco saw the benefit in his 2 way arrangement last season:-
“I’m looking forward to playing a full season with the Raiders this year. I enjoyed getting the experience of the National League and am excited to see what the season brings for us as a team.”
Coach Sean Easton had no hesitation bringing Marco up to the Nationals after last year’s trial showed his maturity and an unflustered composure under pressure from some experienced opposition.
“Marco when called upon last season did a great job for the Raiders National team. He skates extremely well and is happy to play on the puck making great plays”
Tjay Anderson
18 year old Tjay Anderson’s progress whilst on a two way contract with Raiders 2 has also earned him a full time contract with the senior team for season 2023/24.
Tjay, who made his senior Raiders aged 16 against Milton Keynes Lightning in September 2021, made 38 appearances last season scoring nine goals and seven assists for 16 points, including a pair of goals in the Play Off semi final against Sheffield Steeldogs in Coventry. This takes his total senior Raiders appearances to 50 with 10 goals and 8 assists for 18 points.
In addition Tjay has made 66 appearances for Raiders 2, scoring 54 goals and 32 assists for 86 points. He was top scorer for the team in seasons 2021/22 and 2022/23, including eight goals in the Play Off Quarter finals weekend against Slough Jets
“I’m happy that I have got the opportunity to be playing full time in the National League Raiders team. I started skating when I was around 18 months old and then started playing when I was 3 years old at RVW. Coming back to Romford was a easy decision as i’ve been here from such a young age and it’s like my second home.
“The past 2 seasons I feel I have improved as a player and its helped having players like Aaron Dan and Matt around. It was a great opportunity for me to play in front of the Coventry crowd. Not many players my age are able to say they have done it before.
“Being full time now I have to up my game. I feel I am getting stronger and fitter, as I need to be, playing in the National league. It will help having good players around me motivating me and helping me get better.”
Sean Easton has spent several years coaching Tjay and knows that:-
” Tjay is an up and coming name to remember. I have no doubts Tjay will be a go to guy in years to come with his offensive ability.
“Its important this year we keep his feet on the ground and continue to guide him to play the right way to be that offensive point getter. T has a great attitude in the room and fits in with anyone.”
Welcome back for full time duties in the National League Marco and Tjay.
