The English National Ice Hockey League, South Division One season has come to an end, but for the first time in many years it did not spell the last game for the Wightlink Raiders.

They will now progress to the post-season play offs and battle against the league’s top six teams for the play off crown.

Despite the loss of two key players in American John Sarno and the injured defence man Dan Scott the Raiders have rallied together in recent weeks and pulled of some excellent performances, including two back-to-back four point weekends that ultimately secured their place in the post season festivities.

With the play off group stage getting underway this weekend the Raiders have some big games ahead. The Island side’s grouping will see them face the fast skating Chelmsford Chieftains and the highly skilful Cardiff Devils.

The Raiders get their campaign off to an early start as they take on the Cardiff Devils at Ryde Arena on Saturday before they head over the border into Wales for the return leg on Sunday.

The Chelmsford Chieftains are then scheduled to make the Solent crossing on Saturday April 10 with the Raiders making the away trip the following day.

A spokesperson for the Raiders said:

“In the playoffs anything can happen, it’s the time of the year that everything really steps up a level or two, and the Raiders are prepared for just that.

“The games will be tough, that is for sure, but with a big crowd behind them the Raiders are sure to throw in more than a few surprises as they fight for glory.”

Saturday’s game at Ryde Arena will face off at a slightly later time of 7pm with the Isle of Wight Junior Under 16’s playing beforehand against Oxford.