Everyone Active Raiders defenceman Coy Prevost is hoping to provide some festive cheer for supporters this weekend.

Raiders welcome Solway Sharks to Romford's Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre on Saturday (5.15pm), having climbed above them in the National League standings last weekend.

Sean Easton's men claimed an overtime win in Telford, before being beaten back on home ice by Sheffield the following night, and now sit in ninth place.

"Raiders are able to compete with any team in this league on a good night, it’s up to us to prove ourselves and move forward," said 26-year-old Prevost, who had spells playing in Australia and the UAE last season.

"Solway will be a good opportunity for us to come together and earn our Christmas celebrations."

Raiders, with Matt Smital guesting in goal in the continued absence of Ethan James and Brad Windebank, fell behind inside four minutes in Telford, but Adam Laishram levelled and helped set up Zack Milton for a second.

Prevost picked up an assist as Jake Sylvester made it 3-1, but the hosts hit back with two goals in six seconds at the start of the middle period to level.

Sylvester and Callum Wells replied with goals just 11 seconds apart to put Raiders 5-3 up, before Tigers struck either side of the second break to square things once again.

Prevost combined with captain Aaron Connolly to set up Riley MacRae for the overtime winner, though, and added: "We’re finding a way to win and that’s what matters.

"Many times in life we’re faced with obstacles that give us two options, either we work through them or let them taint us.

"Some people justify them with excuses, but I’m proud to be a part of a group that has the character to take each challenge head on and stand by each other when times get tough."

Sheffield broke the deadlock on Sunday, with only 32 seconds left in the opening period, and doubled their advantage with a powerplay goal before the midway point.

They added a third before the gloves came off and Tjay Anderson scuffled with Tate Shudra, with Raiders losing Mikey Power and Wells to game misconduct penalties, as Sheffield's Jack Brammar and Vlad Vulkanovs were also ejected.

Laishram got Raiders on the scoreboard in the 53rd minute, only for Steeldogs to move 4-1 up before Brandon Ayliffe beat Dmitri Zimozdra for a late consolation.

"The goalie played well. I felt we put a lot of pressure on Sheffield, but ultimately they came ahead," said Canadian Prevost, who now has 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in eight games for the club.

"We’re focusing on being better day by day and using the Christmas holidays to become a closer unit.

"The people of Romford have been very welcoming and although it’s tough being an import away from our families for Christmas, many people within the Raiders community continue to support us in any way they can."

Raiders visit Bees IHC on Boxing Day, then host a return meeting the following night (December 27), before hosting Peterborough in their final game of 2023 on December 30 and visiting the Phantoms on January 1.