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Wightlink Raiders
CityRyde, Isle of Wight, England
Founded1991
Folded2016
ColoursWhite, Red, Black
Owner(s)Wightlink Raiders 2007 Ltd
Head coachJeremy Cornish
CaptainDamon Larter
Websitewightlinkraiders.com
Franchise history
1991 - 1992Solent Vikings
1992 - 1999Wightlink Raiders
1999 - 2004Isle of Wight Raiders
2004 - 2016Wightlink Raiders

The Wightlink Raiders was an ice hockey team based in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, England. The team were known for their small ice rink, Ryde Arena, which prevented them competing at a higher level. In 2016, following the closure of the rink by AEW UK, the building's landlord over a rent dispute with the community group which ran the ice rink[1] , the team withdrew from the league and competitive play.[2][3]

History

Originally called the Solent Vikings, the team changed to their current name a year later. Although they were known as the Isle of Wight Raiders between 1999 and 2003 when Wightlink withdrew sponsorship, before the company re-joined the club in 2004. They are still the only club to be formally known with their sponsor in their name. Due to the club's location on the Isle of Wight, the team struggled to survive without Wightlink's support.

In the 1990s, they dominated the English National League (now called the English Premier League), winning the league a record five straight years, including winning the league's cup competition during that time as well.

References

  1. ^ McKew, Matthew (6 October 2016). "Ryde Arena closed as landlord dispute rumbles on". Isle of Wight County Press. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
  2. ^ Black, M.J. (6 October 2016). "Raiders' future uncertain after bailiffs repossess rink". British Ice Hockey. Retrieved 16 November 2016.
  3. ^ Black, M.J. (23 October 2016). "Au revoir to the Wightlink Raiders". British Ice Hockey. Retrieved 16 November 2016.

External links

Ice hockey in the United Kingdom
Categories