Raiders are delighted to announce the return of two more home developed talents for the now 11 team 23-24 season in the Planet Ice National League.
Brandon Ayliffe is back for a seventh season in senior Gold & Blue colours as he looks to extend his club record 255 consecutive appearances. His all-action style of play endears him to the Raiders supporters and with his speed he is a constant break-away threat helping in him being selected as three time Supporters’ Player of the Year. This season he added to his awards with “Heart Of The Raiders” in recognition of his loyalty and service.
“With the amount of games I have played so far there are always ups and downs. But last season was brilliant in my eyes. We proved a lot of people wrong to make it to Coventry final.”
“The teams have changed a lot this season but I don’t have much expectation. Just teams are gonna be strong no matter what game and we need to take each game as it comes and work hard because with hard work comes with great achievements. No matter what, we will keep up with teams as we showed with the work rate this team puts in week in and week out.”
And with a final bit of fans encouragement!
“Come on Raiders fans let’s bring that noise from Coventry all season long come on Gold And Blue Army!!!”
Sean Easton welcomes back Brandon.
“Brandon the speedster is back!
“Full of grit and “compete” Brandon is a player that every team needs but is hard to find. We have two in JR and Brandon. Hard to play against when he’s at top speed and using his agility. Causing defenders a lot of issues when on the forecheck.”
And as part of our netminding team this season Raiders are delighted to announce the return of another home grown player and for a sixth season for Raiders for 20 year old Brad Windebank, who returns to work with Ethan James in providing Raiders with a strong netminding duo
Last season, Brad missed just two games making 62 appearances, appearing between the pipes on 18 occasions for 959 minutes, making 518 saves normally against top of the league opposition.
Brad also made his 100th Raiders appearances in the Play Off Semi Final against Sheffield Steeldogs for which we offer belated congratulations.
“Having grown up watching the raiders from a young age it was great to get to Coventry last season, it was just a shame we couldn’t get over the line in the end.
“Anytime you’re in goal for a win it is a memorable one. The stand outs for me are probably Telford away as it was my first of the season and the two home wins against MK.
“With Basingstoke dropping out it looks like most teams are going to improve their rosters from last season. Which should make it an even more competitive league especially with Solway joining and making some big early announcements along with Hull making some important signings already.
“My main hope for this season is to make Coventry once again and hopefully go one further.“
Well no Raiders fan will be disagreeing with that aim.
Sean Easton :-
“Over the years Brad has had some unlucky injuries that have kept him out for large parts of a season. Brad saw a full season last term and was eased in gently to ensure a full recovery was there. As the season progressed Brad played in a lot of the “top of the table” team games and pulled off some huge wins including the two home games v MK.
“We are now looking for Brad to keep progressing through training and off-ice training to push Ethan and become that number 1 goalie we knew he could be at a early age. Brad has great size and movement which allows him to naturally fill a lot of the net.”
Welcome back Brandon and Brad, a deservedly popular pair of returnees.
