Raiders must strive for consistency says defenceman Sean Barry

The 27-year-old is set to return for a fifth season in a gold and blue jersey, although last term wasn’t a full season and just a 12-game Spring Cup mini series due to the ongoing Covid pandemic.

Barry, who joined ahead of the 2017/18 season, believes they must kick on now after keeping the core of the team together since he joined.

“I think we need to push and be more consistent now,” Barry said. “We’ve had the same core for a few years and players have stepped up and become and big part of the Raiders.”

The NIHL Spring Cup took place throughout February and March instead of a full season and was played behind closed doors.

Raiders defenceman Sean Barry in action during the NIHL Spring Cup (Image: John Scott)

The former Chelmsford Chieftains defenceman felt it was a good experience coming up against Great Britain stars, with Arizona Coyotes prospect Liam Kirk among them.

But he now can’t wait to get back playing in front of a full crowd at the Sapphire Ice & Leisure Centre having not played in front of a crowd since March 2019, before the last full season was cut short due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

“I can’t wait for the season to start and get back in the Sapphire in front of a full Romford faithful," he added.

“It’s been a bit crazy the past 18 months, not just in sport but just in general for everyone.

“I think the Spring Cup was a bit of an eye-opener playing against some of the best British players, but we all learnt a lot and know where we need to improve our game.”

Raiders defenceman Sean Barry in action during the NIHL Spring Cup (Image: John Scott)

Barry joins the ever-growing roster that head coach Sean Easton is building which features netminders Ethan James and Brad Windebank and fellow, defencemen Dan Scott, Tom Relf, and Jack Cooper.

Forwards Erik Piatak, Aaron Connolly, Brandon Ayliffe, Jacob Ranson, Jake Sylvester, Ollie Baldock and Rio Grinell-Parke have also agreed terms for the campaign.