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The Wightlink Raiders have confirmed the arrival of two new signings to Ryde Arena.
29 year old Canadian forward Jimmy Chiropoulos will be the team’s second import for the forthcoming NIHL season.
Chiropoulos is of Greek origin and has vast experience playing in various leagues in Canada, most notably the LNAH in Quebec where his career figures are 58 goals and 60 assists from 112 starts with 254 penalty minutes.
Standing at 6'0 and 196lbs bosses hope he will bring power and speed to the Raiders forward line.
Player coach Jeremy Cornish has been searching for his second import for several months and is convinced he has the right pedigree to succeed at this level.
'I am looking forward to working with Jimmy this year, he comes from a very good league in Quebec where he’s put up very strong numbers for the last few years.
'Jimmy is looking to make a name for himself in Europe and we think the Island is a great spot for him to come and see what playing over here is all about.
'Jimmy is lightning fast and we hope he will centre our first line this year, he is excited to get to the Island and get started.
'He is a little older than the other imports we have had the last few years, but I think his experience and overall skill level will benefit our younger players this season.'
The Raiders have also announced the signing of 18 year old Ben Lock from the Slough ENL Jets.
The six-foot-one defenceman played 26 games in the English National League 1 for the Jets last season. Cornish says he's a young guy looking to prove himself at this level.
'Ben played in Slough last year and is a young player looking to improve and become a solid d-man at this level.
'He has great size and I'm sure he’ll prove to be a big asset for us this season.'
The Raiders start their league season away to Solent & Gosport on September 2nd.
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