Wightlink Raiders Explained

Team:Wightlink Raiders
City:Ryde, Isle of Wight, England
Founded:1991
Folded:2016
Colours:White, Red, Black
Owner:Wightlink Raiders 2007 Ltd
Coach:Jeremy Cornish
Captain:Damon Larter
Website:wightlinkraiders.com
Name1:Solent Vikings
Dates1:1991 - 1992
Name2:Wightlink Raiders
Dates2:1992 - 1999
Name3:Isle of Wight Raiders
Dates3:1999 - 2004
Name4:Wightlink Raiders
Dates4:2004 - 2016

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.

External links

Notes and References

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