Forward back at Rom Valley Way for another year

Grant Taylor is the latest player to agree a return to Romford Raiders for the 2012/13 National Ice Hockey League season.

Taylor came up through the junior ranks at Rom Valley Way, becoming the first player to progress from under-10s to seniors, and won an English Premier League play-off title in 2001.

The hard-working centre added a pair of EPL Cup winners medals in 2002 and 2005, while also getting the call to double-up and play for Elite League outfit Belfast.

And he returned from a two-year break last term to help Danny Marshall’s Raiders win an English National League and South East Trophy double, scoring 33 points (18 goals, 15 assists) in 39 matches.

The announcement of Taylor’s return follows hot on the heels of linemate JJ McGrath, and team manager Mick Cahill said: “It was great to see Grant back in a Raiders shirt last season and I think he had a terrific return.

“He was still a hard-working, big-hitting guy but he got a whole heap faster in the time he was away from the sport and that was a quality new to his game.

“G brings a lot to the party. He’s a home-grown Romford boy who plays a physical game and isn’t afraid to step up when needed.

“He is an outstanding penalty killer, among the best in the league in my view, and a real pain to the opposition when he’s on the fore-check.

“More than that, Grant was another one who put away some vital goals for us.”