Wightlink Raiders
| Wightlink Raiders | |
|---|---|
 | |
| City: | Ryde, Isle of Wight, England |
| League: | English National Ice Hockey League |
| Founded: | 1991 |
| Operated: | 1991-2016 |
| Home Arena: | Ryde Arena Capacity: 1000 Ice size: 165ft x 80ft |
| Colors: | White, Red, Black |
| Franchise history | |
| 1991 - 1992: | Solent Vikings |
| 1992 - 1999: | Wightlink Raiders |
| 1999 - 2004: | Isle of Wight Raiders |
| 2004 - 2016: | Wightlink Raiders |
The Wightlink Raiders were an ice hockey team based in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, England. The team were known for their small ice rink, Ryde Arena, which prevented them competing at a higher level. In 2016, following the closure of the rink by AEW UK, the building's landlord over a rent dispute with the community group which ran the ice rink[1] , the team withdrew from the league and competitive play.[2][3]
History
Originally called the Solent Vikings, the team changed to their current name a year later. Although they were known as the Isle of Wight Raiders between 1999 and 2003 when Wightlink withdrew sponsorship, before the company re-joined the club in 2004. They are still the only club to be formally known with their sponsor in their name. Due to the clubs location on the Isle of Wight the team would struggle to survive without Wightlink's support.
In the 1990s, they dominated the English League, winning the league four straight years from 1993 to 1997.
References
- ↑ "Ryde Arena closed as landlord dispute rumbles on", Isle of Wight County Press, 6 October 2016.
- ↑ Black, M.J.. "Raiders' future uncertain after bailiffs repossess rink", British Ice Hockey, 6 October 2016.
- ↑ Black, M.J.. "Au revoir to the Wightlink Raiders", British Ice Hockey, 23 October 2016.
External links
- Wightlink Raiders - Official Site of the Wightlink Raiders
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