Forgive the full posting but this pc isnt up to much and fancy things like piddling round with links etc arent in my remit at the moment..So without further ado..and this was also announced on Radio Sheffield by the Steelers Press Officer Dave Simms this afty at 5.15pm

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Elite Ice Hockey League now a reality

Clubs playing out of nine cities have today confirmed their participation in the inaugural season of the Elite Ice Hockey League.

Teams from Basingstoke, Belfast, Cardiff, Coventry, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Nottingham and Sheffield have all re-affirmed their commitment to commencing play in September of 2003. Groups from both Dublin and Milton Keynes have also committed to joining the league at the earliest opportunity.

Speaking on behalf of the investment group representing the Dublin Druids Eamon Convery commented, “We are delighted to be involved with this forward thinking and exciting new league. We have a commitment to providing the community of Dublin with elite ice hockey and our determination has been galvanised by the enthusiasm of the other member clubs. We cannot wait for the Druids to be a part of the new Elite Ice Hockey League.”

As previously stated, the Elite Ice Hockey League is committed to the inclusion of and further development of home-grown players which is why the league is determined to forge a progressive partnership with the English Premier League. Further announcements on this exciting new development are expected by the weekend.

All member clubs are now looking forward to a fresh, revitalised hockey product, which we believe the fans have long yearned for. More teams and more home-grown players are key element which, we are sure, will energise both the public and the media.

Further clubs are still involved in active and on-going discussions with the new Elite Ice Hockey League.
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discuss...

scuff (Red Steeler)

Well, personally I have mixed feelings on it.
1. For............ Fresh start, promised committment to British Players..... reasonable sized league......

2. Against.............. same old people running it..... same promises we had before.

Not sure where to go at the moment. I desperately want to see a structured, sustainable hockey set up in the country, one that wont follow our "boom and bust" mentality of the past. However, is this just ISL by another name, run by the same people likely to make the same mistakes again.

Again not sure, but I for one am willing to give them a chance to convince me.

Just my thoughts on a very very early wednesday morning

Tambo

PS......... anyway it will give the league a chance to sort themselves out while we get our team back in Ayr

Agreed Tambo..I'd feel a lot better if it was a few 'different' faces there..but its the same ones..BIHA turned to IHUK..BPL turned to ISL turned to EIHL (or wahatever)

Still its hockey...maybe thats what they are banking on us thinking eh?

Not sure about the £260 for 25 games for an adult when the wage cap is only half this years. Could see a lot of people picking and choosing their games. I would have thought £7 a ticket would be better in drawing in the crowds again.

Looks like we are paying ISL prices for BNL hockey.

Well i was hoping it would drop in prices, but the owners will see it as a small oppurunity to finally make some money. Since i have followed Ice Hockey in the UK - 3yrs - ive noticed a lot of teams not being financially viable... now i guess Belfast doesnt help when u got to travel here 3-4 times a season with around 30 people!
But clubs still have a lot of travelling to do, and I for one will be happy that clubs make money! while clubs make money, clubs wont go to the Wall, which is what we want! Now also if teams are making money, it will make other teams wanting to come to the League....
On anohter note, it says they is an expression of interest from Milton Keynes... Now if im not right Milton Keynes doesnt have a big Following, and they always are in Financial Diffs..... thoughts PLease?