Everyone Active Raiders add young prospects to roster

Everyone Active Raiders have added two young prospects to their roster – including a name familiar to long-serving supporters.

Joe Tomalin is the son of former Raiders captain Richard, who scored 372 points (195 goals, 177 assists) in 423 appearances in gold and blue after coming up through the junior ranks at Rom Valley Way.

And, having impressed in the junior ranks at Chelmsford, he is being given a chance alongside current Romford youngster Brynley Capps by head coach Sean Easton.

“I’m really excited to be starting my senior hockey with Romford,” said Tomalin, who turns 16 in August.

“I know they have a good set-up here, and I think it will be a great place for me to develop my game.

“I know it will be a big step up playing with the Buccaneers from what I’m used to at junior level, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and I feel ready to make that move. 

“When the invite came from Sean to also train with the Raiders, and get experience of playing with the guys at National level, I knew what a great opportunity this would be too. I can’t wait for the season to start, and to get out there and work hard for the club.”

Former Raiders goalie and asssitant coach Alan Blyth has overseen Tomalin’s development at Chelmsford in recent seasons and had nothing but good things to say about him.

“Joe is an exceptional talent that can go as far as he wants,” said Blyth.

“His work ethic and dedication to the sport is second to none. Joe has been and still is instrumental in the success that Chelmsford Academy has had over recent years.

“From my years of working with Sean, I know Joe will have the best possible introduction to senior hockey and we look forward to following his transition.

“We hope this will be the first of many that will be able to have exposure to National Hockey as they look move from juniors to seniors.”

Capps, meanwhie, finished as top scorer for a GB Under-16 side captained by Tomalin at the Riga Cup in Latvia, with seven points in seven games.
And he is also looking to develop, after spending the past two seasons playing for Romford’s under-18s.

“I would like to thank Sean and Bucky [Jason Buckman] for giving me the opportunity to be able to be a part of the Raiders and Buccaneers for this upcoming season.

“Having been training with the Raiders and NIHL1 team for the whole of last season, I am already familiar with how Sean wants his teams to play and I look forward to finally being able to put that into practice on a game day.

“I’m excited to be able to develop myself as a player as I step up into the senior teams and I hope to be able to prove myself and continue to bring my contribution to the Romford organisation.

“I have been a Raiders fan since the rink re-opened in 2018 and attend most home games, so I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like to play in front of the best fans in the league!”

*Romford Buccaneers have announced Elliot Devish and Ellie Wakeling as the latest players to agree to return for their Division One South season.