New Top-flight Structure for British Ice Hockey
The Belfast Giants, London Knights, Manchester IHC, Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers are delighted to announce the formation of a new top flight structure for Ice Hockey in the United Kingdom, beginning next season, 2003-2004. The 'Ice Hockey Elite League' are also in the advanced stages of discussions with two other major clubs, both of whom are involved in the process of establishing the overall league structure, and who are expected to commit to it shortly.
The important decision to create this new league has been taken with the best interests of ice hockey in the UK in mind, from Grass Roots right through to the professional game. The Ice Hockey Elite League will have a commitment to greater involvement of UK players and greater governance of financial matters than may have existed in senior league formats.
Fundamental to the establishment of this exciting new venture is the cornerstone of involving and empowering UK born and trained players performing at the highest level possible in this country. The league expects, based on current estimates, to feature around 50 British players during its first season, with the stated intention for this figure to increase, incrementally, year on year.
In addition to the seven clubs already mentioned, three others have already shown an interest in joining the 'Ice Hockey Elite League'. Furthermore, the League would welcome discussions and participation from any other clubs that wish to hear the details of the proposals as they currently stand.
Whilst there are still many areas that need to clarified within the League’s proposal, much has already been agreed between the clubs involved. The principal is that of 'one club one vote' and a democratic philosophy will be adopted for the benefit of the whole sport. Another key aspect of the new League will be a wage cap, that has already been provisionally agreed, at a level that is deemed realistic and affordable by all clubs entering the League.
The first 'Ice Hockey Elite League' meeting will take place in mid March 2003. Amongst items to be discussed at this meeting will be details of the season, structure, sponsorship and TV coverage, along with further discussions to ratify the wage cap and roster restrictions.
Interested parties should contact Brian Storey, email: brian@iceweb.co.uk for preliminary discussions and further information. All such contacts will be considered confidential.
There will be no further comment until after the meeting has taken place in March.
For more details contact:
Brian Storey
Chief Administration Officer
Ice Hockey Superleague Limited
Tel: 01530 838899
Fax: 01530 830055
www.iceweb.co.uk
The important decision to create this new league has been taken with the best interests of ice hockey in the UK in mind, from Grass Roots right through to the professional game. The Ice Hockey Elite League will have a commitment to greater involvement of UK players and greater governance of financial matters than may have existed in senior league formats.
Fundamental to the establishment of this exciting new venture is the cornerstone of involving and empowering UK born and trained players performing at the highest level possible in this country. The league expects, based on current estimates, to feature around 50 British players during its first season, with the stated intention for this figure to increase, incrementally, year on year.
In addition to the seven clubs already mentioned, three others have already shown an interest in joining the 'Ice Hockey Elite League'. Furthermore, the League would welcome discussions and participation from any other clubs that wish to hear the details of the proposals as they currently stand.
Whilst there are still many areas that need to clarified within the League’s proposal, much has already been agreed between the clubs involved. The principal is that of 'one club one vote' and a democratic philosophy will be adopted for the benefit of the whole sport. Another key aspect of the new League will be a wage cap, that has already been provisionally agreed, at a level that is deemed realistic and affordable by all clubs entering the League.
The first 'Ice Hockey Elite League' meeting will take place in mid March 2003. Amongst items to be discussed at this meeting will be details of the season, structure, sponsorship and TV coverage, along with further discussions to ratify the wage cap and roster restrictions.
Interested parties should contact Brian Storey, email: brian@iceweb.co.uk for preliminary discussions and further information. All such contacts will be considered confidential.
There will be no further comment until after the meeting has taken place in March.
For more details contact:
Brian Storey
Chief Administration Officer
Ice Hockey Superleague Limited
Tel: 01530 838899
Fax: 01530 830055
www.iceweb.co.uk