Raiders are delighted to welcome back home to Romford another exciting forward for whom we have high hopes this campaign.
22 year old Harry Gulliver, another product of the Rom Valley Way junior system, returns to Raiders following a two way split between Elite League Manchester Storm and NIHL team Leeds Knights.
After the Rom Valley Way rink closure, Harry moved to Swindon to join the Okanagan Hockey Academy where he played the remainder of his UK junior career.
In two seasons at Under 16 level, he made 51 appearances, scoring 50 goals and 43 assists for 93 points and in two seasons at under 18 level he made 32 appearances scoring 24 goals and 27 assists for 51 points, picking up a National Championship in 2015.
Harry was selected to the EIHA All Star team on three consecutive occasions in 2014 – 2016. He made a total of 29 conference appearances, scoring 13 goals and 9 assists.
At 16 Harry made his senior debut for Swindon Wildcats, making one EPL and seven NIHL Division appearances, scoring two goals and three assists for the Wildcats NIHL2 team.
He has also represented Great Britain at four World Championships. At Under 18 level Harry made 10 appearances, scoring four assists. At Under 20 level, he made 10 appearances scoring three goals and four assists, picking up Division 2A World Championship bronze medals on both occasions.
Harry spent four seasons in USA, based in Utah, playing for Ogden Mustangs in WSHL (Western States Hockey League) making a total of 188 appearances scoring 66 goals and 110 assists for 176 points. In four very successful seasons the Ogden Mustangs won four conference league titles (three Mountain and one North West Conference), two Divisional Finals and lost two Championship finals. The team were ranked #1 of 23 WSHL teams on 2018/19 with a record of 47 wins, two overtime and two regulation losses in 51 games.
Harry was a very welcome addition to the Raiders for the Spring Cup campaign in 2021 scoring four goals and five assists in 12 appearances. His performances brought him a move up to the Elite League last season with Manchester Storm where in 37 appearances he scored 1 goal and four assists. His two way contract with Leeds Knights saw 31 appearances scoring 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points.
Sean Easton is excited to work with Harry again.
“Harry brings a high skill set, great skating ability and an eye for goal. He plays with a lot of grit and energy and with that relentless play will grind team’s defensive core down.
“Harry has had elite league experience since his time with the Raiders and I am looking forward to see him bring that back with him.”
Harry is clearly excited to be back home as our extended interview with him revealed earlier this month.
“It’s a Really nice feeling to be coming back home to play for Romford. Supporting Romford has been in our family many, many years, way before I took to the ice at 6 years old when I started my hockey Journey.
“I came back from Utah, USA at the start of the pandemic. When I was asked to pull-on the Romford Jersery for the Spring Cup it felt surreal to be back on the ice with the guys I’ve grown up playing with. The Spring Cup was the start of me wanting to be back home.
“Manchester Storm approached after the spring Cup and to go to the Elite League was always a huge passion. I stayed for the season and although they wanted me to return my life commitments are now here. A tough decision to make, but the right one for me. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to play at such a great level.
“I think the team this year is shaping up very nicely, we have some new guys joining, me being one and the returning Raiders, who are already a huge core of team.
“I think the new Sapphire rink is great facility, you can really hear the fans when you’re out there on the ice, which I can only imagine will help us when we play.
“I have some personal targets that I already have in my mindset, but ultimately what I hope our team is aiming for is to bring home the points each weekend, head off to Coventry for the playoffs, bringing home some well deserved silverware. I’ve joined Romford to win and I want the fans to feel that too. I think this club deserves that and so does the fans.
“I’ve always been told I’m a “North American style player”, hard working two way forward who can contribute offensively. I like to be involved offensively. I feel like I can bring more of an offensive option to the Raiders with the way I play.
“Playing in America really changed my game play, quick thinking, decision making whilst keeping your skillset and understanding the game. I learned so much from the coaches there and to be on ice training at every opportunity makes a huge difference.
“I’ve had some fantastic life experiences too. Living in Utah was unbelievable and I met some really amazing people when I was over there. Playing for GB is always a great experience and putting on that jersey is a huge honour. One I hope in the future to do again. To get to play against some really skilled teams was something we loved the challenge of doing.
“I’m looking forward to the season start. I understand what the fans are looking for as I grew up as a Raiders fan myself. And I can’t wait to get that jersey on and show you guys what I can contribute out there with the Raiders.”
Welcome back Harry
