Elite League clubs reach agreement (From This Is Lancashire)

Elite League clubs reach agreement

7:40am Thursday 9th April 2009

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Following negotiations at a meeting of the nine clubs on Monday, the Elite Ice Hockey League has announced that a new format involving all the clubs has been reached.

League Chairman Eamon Convery said: "We’ve just enjoyed a memorable Playoff Finals weekend, bringing the curtain down on the 2008-09 season and following today’s meeting all the clubs are looking forward to the 2009-10 campaign.

"Representatives of the Edinburgh Capitals, Manchester Phoenix and Newcastle Vipers joined with their counterparts from the Belfast Giants, Cardiff Devils, Coventry Blaze, Hull Stingrays, Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers and it’s my pleasure to advise that all are committed to the future of the Elite League.

"The weekend was a spectacular success with both days sold out and it’s that level of success that these clubs and their officials have worked hard for since the inception of the league and wish to continue to build and improve upon.

"When we see so many supporters from all the clubs from across the country intermingling and everyone having a great time, it’s a massive endorsement of the product we’re promoting and keen to improve upon wherever possible."

The Elite League in 2009-10 will operate with some revisions to the previous formats. The clubs have agreed to a new maximum of ten import (ITC) players per roster on any given game night. The regular League season will see all teams meet each other three times home and away for a 48-game season. The Knockout Cup will cease, but a new revised Challenge Cup will be unveiled leading to a one-game, neutral venue final.

The Elite League also hopes to introduce a new early-season tournament weekend and work on a new three-day festival has already begun.

Mr Convery said: "We will confirm exact details of the revised Challenge Cup format and the early-season tournament as soon as possible. Everyone left the meeting in a positive frame of mind and determined to continue to work toward a bright and exciting future.

"The Elite League has a tremendous product and I am of the firm belief that the agreements reached today and the revised competition formats will energise the supporters for another spectacular season of top-flight ice hockey."

The management of Newcastle Vipers welcomed the statement but added a note of caution. A statement from the club said: "There will be an open meeting which we would encourage all fans to attend in order for the club to move forward.

"The Vipers fans showed great support at the Elite League Finals in Nottingham at the weekend and we need that support from all fans to continue in the run up to the 2009/2010.

"We intend to launch 2009/2010 season tickets at the open fans meeting on the week commencing the 20th April and subject to the level of support from fans, this will determine whether or not the Club will start the 2009/2010 season."

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