Raiders are delighted to announce that Sam Cooper, recently playing up from Raiders 2 and on a two way deal with Guildford Flames, is stepping up to the Raiders National League team following a series of impressive performances.
Portsmouth Based 17 year old D-man Sam joined Raiders 2 during the summer after a Junior career in the Guildford Junior Club. He made 60 appearances for Guildford at Under 15 and 18 levels scoring an impressive 41 goals. Starting at the age of 14 he also played for Coventry Blaze Under 20 scoring 1+4 in seven appearances. Sam also represented Great Britain Under 16 in the Riga Cup in 2019, in addition to playing for England at Under 14 and Under 15 levels.
This season has seen him play once for Junior Raiders under 18, twice for Raiders Juniors Division 1 team, and a growing number of appearances for Raiders National Team, scoring his first point for the team with an assist on the equalising 5th goal in the win against Basingstoke. Sam has also made five appearances in Elite League / Cup for Guildford Flames.
His impressive start to the season has seen Sam selected for the Great Britain under 20 team to travel to Romania for the Junior World Championships.
Coach Sean Easton clearly rates Sam very highly as he explained the formal addition to the squad.
“Sam has impressed me with his playing abilities at National League level in his start with us to warrant being with Raiders senior team full time.
“Sam presently has a 2 way deal between Romford and the Guildford Flames Elite organisation. So he is on the ice every day of the week and this is clearly paying off with his playing ability. We aim to extend that by giving him experience at National League level to help Sam progress into being a full time Elite League player.
“Sam’s work rate and desire to be a full time pro player is through the roof and I have no doubt he will achieve his goal. I will work with Sam and Guildford to ensure his development is a high priority.
“Sam has also been named as part of the GB under 20 team that is heading to Romania to compete in the World Championships despite being just 17 and is also currently competing for a spot in the GB under 18 team that will compete in Estonia in April.”
Sam is enthusiastic and ready for the challenges ahead:-
“I’m honoured to be part of the Raiders this season. I’m looking forward to working with such a great bunch of players and coaching team over the coming week and I have strong hopes for what this year’s team can achieve.
“I’m very excited to be able to make my mark on the game and develop as the season goes on and with such a dense year it gives me opportunity to work hard and voice my offensive capability as well as my defensive role.”
The Raiders fans have certainly noticed Sam’s contribution and this announcement may be an unexpected bonus amongst all the injury woes the season has been full of so far
A belated welcome to Raiders National Team Sam!
