Slovakian hoping for further improvement

Marek Nahlik is confident London Raiders can improve further in the National League after agreeing a return to the Lee Valley-based club for the 2016/17 campaign.

The 32-year-old Slovakian forward topped the club’s scoring charts last season with 43 goals and 30 assists in 46 appearances and claimed their best forward prize, as well as the supporters’ player of the year award.

And he is delighted to be back in gold and blue, saying: “I’m very happy that I can continue with the Raiders.

“I must say thank you for giving me the opportunity to play for the Raiders last season.

“I’m glad to meet up again with the guys because we have a good group of people and we enjoyed every second, even though they were difficult moments we were always together.

“I’m confident this season we will be stronger and with hard work the results will be better.”

Demand to sponsor Nahlik’s shirts is expected to be high and management have thanked supporters for their backing so far this summer.

A statement said: “Fans should not forget the importance of this to the team and its ability to assist the expense of operating.

“There are a number of shirts still available and it is important we get all of these sponsored.

“Management have been overwhelmed with the support this has received in previous seasons since the fans’ management committee was formed and we are grateful for the essential funding this provides.”

n London Raiders have also announced the departure of hard-working young forward TJ Fillery.

The speedy winger made a handful of appearances for landlords Lee Valley in Division Two last season and a Raiders club statement said: “TJ never showed less than 100 per cent effort at the Raiders and was enormously popular with the team and fans.

“Increased ice time is what is required for his continued progression and it was difficult to promise this within the Raiders. Management wish TJ and his family well and best of luck in his future on and off ice.”

Fillery added: “I would like to thank all the fans for getting behind me. I am gutted that I am not going to be with the Raiders this season as I have had no choice but to drop down a division where I hope to be getting much more ice time.

“Hopefully I’ll be back in the future but until then thanks to all.”

n London Raiders are delighted that approaches to ‘Breast Cancer Now’ have resulted in them being the chosen charity for the coming season.

A club statement said: “We are hoping they will accept our invitation to host their volunteers during the season where additional donations will be welcome.

“It is a great cause and as ever an excellent shirt design and we are delighted that we are being allowed to assist in any way we are able.

“We are also grateful to the charity for their professional advice regarding the terms of our agreement and the restrictions on disclosure.”