Picked this up of THF (all current ENHL teams are now in receipt of a PR from the EIHA detailing this alteration):

PHASED INTRODUCTION OF UNDER 25 AGE RESTRICTION IN ENIHL

The Board have recently considered that question of introducing an age restriction within the ENIHL. The recent changes to the age limits whereby young players can share competitive ice time with their adult counterparts has heightened awareness of this issues – but to be fair it has been debated again this season prior to the press release announcement by Ken Taggart about the younger age groups. In the circumstances, the following restrictions are to be introduced in the ENIHL. The five season phasing in period is to allow teams to cope with the changes. For information, the restriction of “over age” players relates to those players on a team sheet. The amateur nature of ENIHL (and the fact that players earning their livings outside the game and are not always available for selection on match days) means that more than 5 over age players can be registered for any team.



A restriction in ENIHL is to introduced from season 2007-2008 to the effect that the league becomes an Under 25 league. The reason for this is to maintain and strengthen the “development” role of the ENIHL in providing an environment in which younger players can mature and grow in stature.
The restriction is to be phased in order to reduce the impact on players currently playing in the ENIHL
The phased introduction will take place over a five season timetable as follows:
2007/2008 - teams to ice only five over age players
2008/2009 - teams to ice only four over age players
2009/2010 - teams to ice only three over age players
20l0/2011 - teams to ice only two over age players
2011/2012 - teams to ice only one over age player
2012/2013 - all players to be Under 25 years.

All players born in 1983 or later will be under 25 this season.

so what happens when a player turns 25 were do they go then.

They go to EPL, rec or stop playing altogether.

Why is it so hard for a league in this sport not to make a dumb move?

I think it's a good move.

Stops the old farts hanging on for years when they're well past it and let's the kids / younger guys get a decent amount of ice time and progress. Instead of the usual ''that's my shirt, I've worn it for 30 years'' bullsh!t that isn't unheard of at any rink in the country.

except it's not happening yet........... situation will be reviewed after next season

Try telling that to the 40+ brigade still playing NHL. If the younger guys are good enough they will play, simple as that. Yet another bad move from the big wigs in British Ice Hockey

As the saying go'es "If its not broke do'nt fix it"

Surely we can all see the logic in what they are trying to do to encourage development, but I think everyone else but them sees its not the right way about doing it.

Point of interest, roughly how many over 25s do we think we'll have next year?

This idea of stopping people playing has been with drawn for the time being

'Point of interest, roughly how many over 25s do we think we'll have next year?'


Jon, surely you can wait until after the trials ??

I said roughly rick! I'm thinking more about how many of the old Altrincham team will return really

As a guide, most of those who played last year are listed here :

http://www.altrinchamaces.co.uk/news.htm

PS I have written an updated front page for the website - I must have forgotten to load it.

The idea of under 25s was voted out at the eiha AGM but it is still being considered for later years, dont think it is a good idea tbh but oh well