Welcome Back Matt Turner

June 15, 2018

Turning 30 in November Matt Turner makes a welcome return to the Raiders for his seventh season in Gold and Blue in which time he has played in 272 games for the Raiders (including 208 league appearances). That sees him ranked an impressive 12th in all time appearances and clearly eligible for the legends team if he wasn’t such a vital part of the current Raiders.

In those games he has scored at just under a point a game scoring 109 goals and 157 assists for 266 points for 11th place in all-time scoring. This coming season he need 3 points in league games to become the tenth Raider to score 200 points in league games.

Last season Matt was one of the Ironmen appearing in all 46 games, scoring 12 goals and 21 assists for 33 points. Matt was also an Ironman in his previous season at Romford in 2012/13, appearing in all 54 games, and add a further 35 games in the previous season, taking his run to 135 consecutive games since Matt missed a game whilst a Raider.

Born in Rush Green, Matt played his junior career at Chelmsford before making his senior debut for the Chieftains aged 16 in season 2004/05. After a further 13 games, scoring three in the next two seasons, Matt moved to Romford splitting the season between the Raiders and Spitfires, before becoming a full time Raider. In his final season in 2012/13 at Romford he became only the second British born player to score 100 points in a season, with 39 goals and 62 assists.
Matt returned to Chelmsford where in four seasons, he added four league champions medals to the one won with the Raiders.

He also picked up Cup and Play Off winners medals as he made 175 appearances in all competitions for Chieftains, scoring 94 goals and 141 assists for 235 points.

Matt in common with all team members this season has high hopes for even more that the achievements of 2017/2018

“Really excited to be wearing Gold and Blue again this season. I had no hesitation when Sean asked me to return because pulling on that jersey and skating out in front of the best fans in the league; there’s no better feeling. I can’t wait to get started. I think we turned a few heads last year and proved a few people wrong with our work ethic and our determination to win and by the end of the season we were challenging the top teams.

“Looking at the team Sean has put together, I feel we can have even more success and bring home some silverware. Personally I’m hoping to reach Coventry finals weekend as its still on my “to do” list. With the squad Sean’s put together I feel we can be serious contenders. The club is moving in the right direction so there is no reason why this can’t be achieved. Can’t wait to see Sapphire rocking again”

Coach Sean Easton values the multifaceted talents of Matt

“I saw a more energised Turner last season, and putting the puck away a lot more. He is a guy that quietly goes about his business but is a key defensive centre for us. He is reliable in shutting down top lines as well as adding offence flare. Strong on the puck and good hands makes Turner dangerous when he pops into the good areas with his smart hockey brain”

Welcome back Matt

Copyright Raiders Ice Hockey 2018