Everyone Active Raiders have captured the signature of Slovakian forward Erik Piatak ahead of the 2021/22 season as plans are now fully underway.

The 35-year-old has opted to return to the gold and blue after joining early on during the 2019/20 season, before re-signing for the following campaign that was interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He did however ice for the team during the 12-game NIHL Spring Cup series as the team got back on the ice after almost a year away due to the circumstances.

“I'm definitely looking forward to continuing with the Raiders, I've found a lot of great people here and have really enjoyed my time spent here,” Piatak said.

“After the pandemic we’ve been through, I'm looking forward to seeing you all coming back into the rink and enjoying it.

“I feel good here, I don't miss anything other than hockey, of course, except for my wife and my three children.”

Romford Recorder: Raiders forward Erik Piatak in action against Telford Tigers during the Spring CupRaiders forward Erik Piatak in action against Telford Tigers during the Spring Cup (Image: John Scott)

The experienced centre admitted it has been tough having such a long break from action before returning for just a short stint.

But he was keen to thank the Raiders management for getting them on the ice at all with a lot of teams having not played since March 2020.

“It’s not ideal when you get out of the hockey rhythm, but the conditions were and will be the same for all," he added.

“The pandemic has showed us that we need to appreciate that we could at least play the Spring Cup and we must thank the management that they did their best to make it happen in these difficult conditions.”

The former Guildford Flames and Peterborough Phantoms forward is determined to help the Romford-based club start to push on.

“I don't like to lose so my team-mates and I will definitely do everything to make the club a success and entertain the fans with the good results especially after they supported us during this difficult year,” he said.

Piatak has joined up with Jacob Ranson and head coach Sean Easton for the upcoming season with plenty more announcements expected in the coming weeks and months.