Romford Ice Hockey Academy (RIHA) have announced their first appointments since the recreation of the Junior and Division One hockey system.

Former Raiders fan favourite Andrius Kaminskas has been named head coach of the junior age groups and will work closely with the senior teams, with Jason Buckman again in charge of the Division One South side.

Lithuanian international Kaminskas showed excellent pedigree as a defenceman and forward at Rom Valley Way, after arriving in 2004, and helping Raiders reach the Coventry finals weekend, and scored 285 points (147 goals, 138 assists) in 289 games in two spells for Raiders, while also playing for Bracknell, Slough and Chelmsford.

And Buckman is another with a great playing history with the Raiders, having also impressed as a forward and defenceman during his time in a gold and blue jersey, scoring 121 points (20 goals, 101 assists) in 226 games.

"Jason proved last season that with the resources available to him the team progressed well and we are happy to leave in his capable hands the task of continuing the development of the RIHA students into the senior players like those that did so well last season," said a club statement.

"Welcome back to Andrius and Jason, and let the work of continuing to build the junior system commence!"

The club has also confirmed that age group teams will revert to having their own individual identities.

And the titles will be familiar to those who have been around the junior club for some time, which will include many of the present Raiders National squad who progressed through the ranks during their own development. 

They are to be Rascals (Under-10), Raptors (Under-12), Hurricanes (Under-14), Hornets (Under-16) and Spitfires (Under-18).

The Division One South side will be known as the Buccaneers, as this was deemed to be a more 'connected' name for the team.

With the restructure comes the need for additional senior and assistant coaches and management/assistant roles to be filled and applications from interested parties can be directed to info@romfordiha.com.