The Offical British Ice Hockey Thread

Post by **Calv** » Sun Mar 01, 2009 2:33 pm

Was at the bar and noticed someone that looked a bit like Kenton Smith, the Phoenix captain, and I sort of stared at him for a few minutes working out whether it was him or not. I got a few odd looks off him

Soon after Brett Clouthier came over and it's pretty hard to miss him

Post by **getzlaf15** » Sun Mar 01, 2009 4:20 pm

Yeah Calv, when i arrived at the rink after the game, i seen them all getting changed, unwillingly, i wandered into the changing room not knowing they were all in there getting dressed for a night out. How embarrassing, they found the funny side of it though.

Post by **Calv** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 2:15 pm

Until the end of the regular season Phoenix have 12 games in 20 days, with only one 2 day gap between gaps, the rest have 0 days or 1 day gap. Plus we still have another cup final to organize, there's another 2 games.... The guys are gonna be knackered come the playoffs. !

Post by **Calv** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 2:21 pm

The end of season award nominations are out:
Best British Player:

Robert Dowd - Sheffield Steelers
Tony Hand - Manchester Phoenix
Jonathan Weaver - Coventry Blaze

Coach Of The Year

Dave Matsos - Sheffield Steelers
Paul Thompson - Coventry Blaze
Steve Thornton - Belfast Giants

Defenceman Of The Year

Corey Neilson - Nottingham Panthers
Rod Sarich - Sheffield Steelers
Jonathan Weaver - Coventry Blaze

Fan's Favourite Of The Year

Dave Beauregard - Manchester Phoenix
Jody Lehman - Sheffield Steelers
Bruce Richardson - Nottingham Panthers

Forward Of The Year

David-Alexandre Beauregard - Manchester Phoenix
Greg Chambers - Basingstoke Bison
Paul Deniset - Belfast Giants

Hard as Ice 2008/2009

Brett Clouthier - Manchester Phoenix
Brad Cruikshank - Sheffield Steelers
Adam Stefishen - Edinburgh Capitals

Netminder Of The Year

Jody Lehman - Sheffield Steelers
Stevie Lyle - Belfast Giants
Kevin Reiter - Basingstoke Bison

Newcomer Of The Year

David-Alexandre Beauregard - Manchester Phoenix
Paul Deniset - Belfast Giants
Robert Dowd - Sheffield Steelers

Player Of The Year

David-Alexandre Beauregard - Manchester Phoenix
Paul Deniset - Belfast Giants
Jody Lehman - Sheffield Steelers

I've bolded who I think will win.

Some odd choices in there:
Not sure how Paul Thompson has got nominated for coach of the year has done anything spectacular and threw his toys out of the pram last weekend against sheffield and started throwing sticks onto the ice

Hand has got us (hopefully) our best league position ever and to 2 cup finals....My vote goes for Matsos(and would even if Hand had been nominated) he's done a great job at Sheffield over the past 2 years.

Stevie Lyle should be nowhere near the top netminder award...

Also not sure how Cruikshank has got close to the 'Hard as Ice' award middle-weight enforcer at best who is also a good goalscorer which is not what the award is about. No nomination for Chris McAllister, the only player to have got close to beating Clouthier this year

Reynaldo28 · Post by **Reynaldo28** » Tue Mar 03, 2009 5:10 pm

No Verner in top netminder

And where is Big Mac, without doubt one of the hardest players in the league!

Post by **Calv** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 3:53 pm

Cup final 1st leg today with Belfast, Come on Phoenix

Belfast beat Cardiff last night in the Knockout cup semi final so we've got them again in the other final...!

Post by **Calv** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:37 am

Well Phoenix are up 4-3 in the first leg, best game of Hockey I've seen in a while, loads of big hits and end-to-end action. The first period was amazing, barely any stoppages loads of big hits and both keepers were keeping busy. Phoenix went up 1-0 thanks to Luke Fulghum on the first pp of the game in the 7th minute. Murphy was busy in the Phoenix net but Belfast couldn't find a way past him and he was looking in top form.

In the 2nd Phoenix stepped it up again and put Belfast under pressure and got 2 goals in 80 seconds. Bruce Mulherin put Phoenix up 2-0 and then Brett Clouthier put in a big hit on the boards to turn the puck over in the Belfast zone and then went on to score from Adam Walker's setup. Phoenix made it 4-0 in the 32nd minute when Beauregard scored off a Tony Hand feed. Belfast then took a time out and in the 33rd minute George Awada finally managed to score past Murphy. Then as Awada skated away celebrating he tangled with Mulherin who tripped him up. Awada went a bit crazy and started chasing Mulherin

Phoenix tired in the 3rd and Belfast got goals through Andrew Martin and Evan Cheverie and they looked like they could've scored more but Phoenix held on to take a 1-goal lead to Belfast on St. Paddy's day.

Post by **Calv** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 11:57 am

And congratulations in Sheffield who have now won the regular season title

McBeef · Post by **McBeef** » Tue Mar 17, 2009 7:59 pm

This is my first season following the Steelers but its been a great season to start. Just wish i could go to the playoffs but im in America at the time.

Post by **archibalduk** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 1:50 pm

My bro sent me a text message yesterday with an interesting rumour regarding the future of the EIHL. The rumour is that Phoenix, Newcastle and Edinburgh will be moved down to the EPL next season. If this is the case, they would be joining Basingstoke who last week announced they would be competing in the EPL from next season. This would decrease the size of the EIHL from ten to six teams.

From what I can gather, the EIHL held a meeting with representatives from Belfast, Cardiff, Coventry, Hull, Nottingham and Sheffield to discuss the league's future. However for some reason Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh were not invited to this meeting. Indeed, an official announcement on the Manchester Phoenix website confirms this:

www.manchesterphoenix.co.uk wrote:The rumours of a club meeting held on Monday are correct, and I can confirm that Manchester were not represented - this is not an April Fools prank.

There is currently a lot of conjecture and rumour circulating regarding the future format of the Elite League, and the possible inclusion or otherwise of not only Manchester, but Edinburgh and Newcastle too.

However, until such time as either Neil Morris and/or myself receive due notification in writing of the outcome of Monday's meeting and any decisions being taken without Manchester being consulted, we can say little more officially.

Naturally, the club is keen to learn of what was discussed in our absence and upon receipt of such written detail, we will issue our official response.

I would ask all Phoenix supporters to please refrain from contacting the club offices as there is currently little more we can advise, and the staff are extremely busy with everything involved with the end of the season.

- Andy Costigan

The current belief is that the EIHL is going to ask those teams to find another league to play in. I have no idea why - Manchester were one of the best teams this season and came very close to winning a trophy.

Actually, whilst writing this post, I have just found a news item on The Bolton News (a local Manchester newspaper) which I think gives a good indication of what is to come:

The Bolton News wrote:Anger as Phoenix face league snub

11:47am Wednesday 1st April 2009
By Nigel McFarlane »

JUST days before its flagship closing weekend, the Elite Ice Hockey League has been plunged into controversy after it appeared that three clubs were being 'managed out' of the League.

Fans of Manchester Phoenix, Edinburgh Capitals and Newcastle Vipers have flooded fan forums with comments after rumours started to circulate about a meeting on Monday to which the three clubs were not invited.

The meeting - held by representatives of Sheffield Steelers, Belfast Giants, Nottingham Panthers, Cardiff Devils, Coventry Blaze and Hull Stingrays, has allegedly culminated in a proposal to run a six-team League for the 2009-10 season, if Edinburgh, Manchester and Newcastle are unable to agree to new operating criteria.

The League has operated with 10 teams so far, but Basingstoke Bison resigned from the league last week having successfully applied to join the English Premier League.

The Bolton News understands that concerns were raised by the three clubs in line with the tightening economic outlook and that some assurances were sought going forward to help protect their businesses.

It would seem that those concerns were not accepted nor recognised as valid, and the subsequent meeting was held at which it was suggested that the current top level salary cap would be adhered to and that just the six teams would participate.

If the move is ratified, it is expected that the Elite League in its current form would be dissolved, and a new organisation formed with the six members.

Fan forums such as The Hockey Forum have been inundated with comments from fans of all EIHL sides, with some announcing planned protests at this weekend's Playoff Finals at the National Ice Centre in Nottingham.

There has been no official reaction yet from Edinburgh, but management at Newcastle Vipers are said to be 'furious' about the developments.

Manchester Phoenix - a founder member of the Elite League - confirmed the meeting had taken place, and that its representatives had not been invited.

The club's General manager Andy Costigan released a statement which said: "Until such time as either Neil Morris and/or myself receive due notification in writing of the outcome of Monday's meeting, and any decisions being taken without Manchester being consulted, we can say little more officially.

"Naturally, the club is keen to learn of what was discussed in our absence and upon receipt of such written detail, we will issue our official response."

The club has now confirmed that such written notification has been received and Costigan advised that the Phoenix will be making a “major announcement” on Thursday morning.

Let's see what is announced tomorrow then...

Post by **Calv** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:31 pm

Time for Cool heads and Calm responses

News posted: 01-04-2009

Over the past months there has been considerable consultations and meetings between the elite league clubs regarding a plan going forward.

All clubs in one way or another have had to consider how best to adapt to the economic climate in order to ensure progress for their club.

The process culminated in a meeting on Monday 30th March of those clubs who were, with out conditions, committed to participation in the 2009/10 season.

The clubs not present, but fully aware of the meeting being held, had consistently throughout earlier meetings and correspondence put forward a number of points which they required to be considered or adopted by the league.

Immediately following the meeting all clubs were advised of the out come, which is to continue effectively under the same playing conditions as was the case in 2008/2009 and the league presently awaits the remaining clubs to formally confirm if they are continuing there involvement in the league.

2008/09 has been a thrilling year of ice hockey and both fans and sponsors can look forward to the fantastic playoff weekend and standards being maintained in the Elite ice hockey league for the 2009/10 season.

From the EIHL website

Post by **Calv** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:34 pm

And from the Edinburgh newspaper:

Ice Hockey: Capitals to be frozen out breakaway league

Published Date: 01 April 2009
By NIGEL DUNCAN
EDINBURGH CAPITALS' spell in ice hockey's Elite League looks over after secret talks in England.
Manchester Phoenix, coached by Edinburgh-born Tony Hand and who finished sixth, and Newcastle Vipers, who finished a place behind them, also look to have been cold-shouldered.

Hull Stingrays, who finished ninth in this season's table, are understood to be in new plans being discussed.

The Humberside club have already been strongly linked with Capitals' player/coach Doug Christiansen who guided Capitals into eighth place.

They would play in a new six-strong league. Other teams understood to be included in the breakaway are newly-crowned Elite League champions, Sheffield Steelers, second-placed Coventry Blaze, Nottingham Panthers, who were third, fourth-placed Belfast Giants and Cardiff Devils who were fifth.

Sources confirmed that the talks were held on Monday and it was invitation only. Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle were not invited.

A wage cap, understood to be around £7000 a week, was also discussed along with an import quota of 11 players.

Eamon Convery, chairman of the Elite League, was there along with representatives of six other clubs. The source added: "The meeting was held and decisions were taken. The six-team league means that the clubs would play each other four times home and away. There will be a wage cap."

League sponsors bmibaby have withdrawn their sponsorship so the Elite League appears to be at the crossroads.

It now appears that Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh want to play in a new Northern League set-up which is already being discussed at the highest level.

Such a new league formation is likely to include Scottish clubs Fife Flyers, who have won all four of the major domestic trophies so far this season, Dundee CCS Stars and Solway Sharks.

Post by **Calv** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:48 pm

The problem is that the 'big 4' Nottingham,Coventry,Sheffield & Belfast have a lot more money to spend than the rest. Obviously their owners want to promote ice hockey and get bigger crowds in etc... so they want the best hockey players they can get, i.e. imports. So they want to increase the wage cap(like it's ever existed anyway....

) and perhaps increase the import quota.
Problem is the 4 smaller teams, Newcastle,Manchester,Edinburgh & Basingstoke, can't spend the same amount of money and most likely lost money last season. I know that Newcastle lost money, although they were close to breaking even, Manchester owner Neil Morris had to put some of his own money into the team to keep it alive, Basingstoke have already dropped out of the EIHL due to money and have had 3 owners in the past 2 seasons. Edinburgh alsovwere close to the edge this season.
Cardiff are in betweeners, they have a new owner so they could probably compete with the big teams.
Hull is a weird one, never made the playoffs in the last 3 seasons, never spent the big bucks but apparently are willing to up the cap and the import quota, despite recently saying they would be looking at a player-coach next year to reduce costs.The rumours are that Nottingham owner Neil Black(the richest man in UK Hockey) is giving a helping hand to Hull. Probably because he realises that a 5-team league would be silly and probably wouldn't work well, with fans getting bored of seeing the same teams every week.
Will be interesting to see what happens tomorrow, I think Manchester will drop down and I think I would prefer to see the EPL split into 2 leagues North & South, with the 3 Elite teams in the North with some Scottish teams & Telford & Sheffield Scimitars and the rest of the teams in the southern conference. Then a proper North v South Playoff final at the end of the season.

Dropping down will mean the players who played here this season probably won't be back, with the exception of Walker,Summerfield,Graham,Boothroyd(perhaps). The EPL doesn't let anyone play who requires a non-EU Visa so there'll be no North Americans, although Lucas Burnett has UK relatives so hopefully he'll stay. Rumours are Tony Hand is back to Edinburgh(it's where he lives) and Doug Christiansen is leaving Edinburgh to become player-coach of Hull!! Stephen Murphy is too good to be an EPL netminder, and he may stay in the Elite League or he may play abroad, he's spent time in Sweden & the US before.

Post by **Calv** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 3:51 pm

Perhaps a new logo is in order for the Elite League?

Post by **archibalduk** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 4:58 pm

It seems the EIHL on the one hand are saying that Manchester were invited but Manchester are saying they weren't. I don't see how a six team league is really sustainable. Fans are surely going to get bored of watching the same teams week in week out. At least nine/ten teams provided some variety. In the economic climate, I think the EIHL are being quite reckless in keeping the same salary cap as the season just gone by. I personally think they should be looking to tighten their purse strings.

It's going to be really different for Manchester next season; no Tony Hand (devastating

), no North Americans and a new league. It's a shame that no North Americans are permitted in the EPL because they really do bring plenty of entertainment to the British game and they help raise the level of skill we get to see. Without the North Americans, I fear the sport will be that little less fast-paced and entertaining. However, moving to the EPL looks like the best option in terms of ensuring the long term survival of the Phoenix.

Post by **Calv** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 11:21 pm

The Elite League posted up the news early, good news, but doesn't clear up the situation regarding the league next year

Tony Hand commits to multi-year Phoenix contract

News posted: 02-04-2009

Manchester Phoenix are absolutely delighted to announce that Britain’s greatest ever hockey star – Tony Hand MBE – has shaken hands on a new long-term deal with the club.

Despite mounting speculation that he was on the verge of a move away from the Phoenix, Hand and club owner Neil Morris have agreed a new three-year contract for the 41-year old to continue to build the on-ice programme in Manchester.

Speaking from his Edinburgh home Hand commented, “I have an excellent working relationship with Neil Morris, and agreeing to stay with the Phoenix club was an easy decision for me to make. Neil is extremely supportive and honourable in his business with the club and I like that. It’s comforting to work for and with someone who you can trust and respect.”

“I believe that the club is growing steadily and professionally, and I believe that year on year, we’ve improved in all areas, not only on the ice, but in the community and commercially too. My goal is to continue to improve the playing side and that in turn will benefit all other areas of the club.”

“The support the club has received from the people of Manchester and surrounding areas is another factor in my staying on a long-term basis, the people enjoy their hockey and appreciate the efforts of everyone involved with the club. It’s a very friendly, family oriented club, we have an excellent Junior programme and that can only bode well for the future too.”

“I’m aware of a lot of speculation at present over the future of the club either within or outside the Elite League, but that has not affected my thinking and decision making at all. I’m committed to continuing to build the Phoenix and will support Neil all the way in whatever direction he chooses for the club to go.”

Neil Morris commented, “I have the utmost respect for Tony Hand and the smartest decision I’ve made in hockey was in bringing him to the club. As an organisation, we are aware that others have been trying to lure him away and probably will still try to sow seeds of doubt in his mind, but I’m tremendously boosted by his willingness to remain in Manchester and continue the excellent work he’s done already.”

“I hope that having the “Great One” as part of our club for the next three years is a clear indication of our determination to not only maintain stability, but to continue to grow as a club, play attractive hockey and offer an excellent family sporting entertainment package.”

Post by **Manimal** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 9:02 am

Are there any young British players that could possibly end up in the NHL?

Post by **Calv** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 9:55 am

Not a chance! If they are British they most likely were born in Britain then moved out to Canada/US when they were very young, like Owen Nolan & Steve Thomas etc...

Post by **archibalduk** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 6:30 pm

That's great news! I was gutted when I heard the rumours of him leaving.

Still no news on the league's future, though...

Post by **Calv** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 6:44 pm

From an 'unnamed league source'

In the original board meeting a couple of months ago Neil Black led the way with talk of the Panthers being in profit. At this time the Panthers were paying 13 imports with 3 sitting in the crowd. Selling out the NIC for the big games and having a pretty good turn over for most other games.

Black, from this, put a motion to up the imports to 11 or 12.

Bison said they couldnt afford it but given recent investment would be happy to have another 2-3 seasons at 10 imports + wage cap.

Manchester said "We've only had our rink 1 season, but there has been an improvement in our P+L, give us 2 seasons at this to turn it round properly and yes we'll join you"

Newcastle said "we cant do it now, however in 2 years time we will have the necessary structure, so lets stick at this level and decide in 2 seasons time"

Edinburgh said "We're with Manchester and Newcastle, times are too tough to start spending big money.. lets keep this level going"

Hull said "We agree, lets keep it at this level"

Sheffield and Cardiff were happy to go with it.

Coventry and Belfast were unsure but would "go with the flow"

So then, through the Paul Moran-Gary Moran-Neil Black link to Hull, Mr Black approached the Packs with the offer of being a "silent investor" if they pledge their future to the EIHL in whatever form it takes. Hull agreed, hence the Press release last week.

In an e-mail last week, following an internal discussion about an enforced wage cap. Black re-iterated what he stated last season.

"You can have your wage cap. Nottingham wont be sticking to it though"

Black then instigated the "Meeting of the 6", in which they decided that for the other 4 they either fall in line with a 12 import league, or they [beep] off.

Bison jumped.

Manchester are very unhappy, but they are trying to get Black and Phillips to see sense and give them time to turn things around properly, something they feel, they havent been given a proper chance to do as its only been 1 full season in their rink.

Newcastle are in the same boat, they are willing to play out of Whitley at a 10 import and wage capped level for 2 years, then they can realign their finances due to other probibilites, the recession may have passed and the league/teams can be strong again.

Edinburgh wont be in the league unless Manchester and Newcastle are there as they are the closest teams and away travel costs compared to gates in a lesser team league would not be financially viable.

Panthers are leading the charge and aren’t budging.

The Hull er.. "Panthers" will do what they are told.

Cardiff have plenty of cash and will join the party.

The only two "shaky" ones are Coventry and Belfast who have been pretty quiet over it all.

What is clear however is that Nottingham and Sheffield would be happier with a 6 team league due to the "reduced travel costs to northern teams"

Post by **Calv** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 6:48 pm

Newcastle have this to say

Mincoff Vipers owners Rob Wilson and Paul Ferone would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the supporters for their support this season.

We are continuing to resolve several critical issues which are coming closer to resolution each day and we thank the fans for their patience but as soon as we have the answers to the questions we will release information to you all including the date and venue for the meeting with yourselves.

Thank you to all of the fans that have emailed the Club with your words of support, they are a reminder that we are well supported and that we are not a second rate Club.

There are a lot of rumours going around at the moment and we apologize that we can not make any announcements at the moment to quash these rumours, all that we ask is that you remain patient and we look forward to giving you details as soon as possible.

Regards

Rob Wilson & Paul Ferone

Post by **Calv** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 6:50 pm

The EIHL AGM is on monday, so I expect some more news then. Of course this weekend sees the playoff semi finals & final, and this is always where loads of rumours come from so it could be an interesting weekend!!

Post by **Calv** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:52 am

The Phoenix take on it

News
Phoenix prepared to fight for 09/10 league entry
Friday, 3rd April 2009

Manchester Phoenix are preparing to stand their corner and if necessary, battle all the way with six of the Elite League clubs who appear ready and prepared to cast adrift those clubs they see as the poor relations of the league.

Representatives of the Nottingham Panthers, Sheffield Steelers, Coventry Blaze, Belfast Giants, Cardiff Devils and Hull Stingrays met last Monday and voted to re-structure the Elite League next season without canvassing the views of Manchester, the Edinburgh Capitals or Newcastle Vipers all of whom struggled to balance their books last season. The three clubs were fully aware of the meeting taking place, but were not invited to attend due to reservations previously voiced privately within the league about operational criteria going forward.

The six who met now want to increase the salary cap to £7,000 nett per week and allow eleven import players on the teamsheet on any given gamenight - a move that could spell financial suicide for smaller budget clubs unless massive additional financial support in secured.

If Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle agree to the proposed changes, a £10,000 bond will required to guarantee entry to the re-structured league. This bond, would be on top of the original share purchase at the inception of the Elite League. To remain in a re-structured Elite League and remain competitive would massively increase the pressure to secure increased revenue streams from corporate advertising and sponsorship in an economic climate hardly conducive at this time. Phoenix officials are not ruling this out, but without increased financial support to enable them to match the recruiting spending power of the likes of Nottingham and Sheffield, they would risk the club lounging in the lower reaches of the table in terms of on-ice results and potentially endangering the financial survival of the organisation.

Despite a superb season where the club finished sixth in the league - it's pre-season target - and reached both the Challenge and Knockout Cup Finals, as well as boasting the Elite League Player of the Year in record goalscorer David-Alexandre Beauregard, Phoenix have had to fall back on the personal support of their owner Neil Morris in order to keep their heads above water.

At the inception of the Elite League following the collapse of the import dominated Ice Hockey Superleague, one of the original goals of the new league was to steadily reduce the reliance upon imported talent from North America and Europe in favour of homegrown British players. Undoubtedly, more British players have progressed, but the return to a blanket eleven import structure must be seen as a potentially retrograde step.

As late as November last year, nine of the ten clubs that make up the league agreed to reduce the quota of import players for next season to eight, but that mandate has been blown asunder by the clubs who met last Monday.

The new structure for the league also stipulate that going forward, clubs are highly unlikely to receive any financial assistance from the league. Neil Morris advises, "Manchester has not asked for any financial assistance this season, nor last. We were assisted during the 2006-07 season when completion of our new rink was massively delayed, and we remain extremely grateful for that aid that kept us alive after playing on the road for almost two thirds of that season."

A Phoenix spokesperson went on to add, "Furthermore, we were extremely disappointed in newspaper articles elsewhere this week that insinuated that we'd had the begging bowl out asking for more financial support. We have not. All we've asked for is some thought on a league-wide basis on a number of issues, including the salary cap, the number of import players and policing of the salary cap. One of the problems as we see it is that actually any organisation run by its however many owners is always likely to be dysfunctional. Too often, the meetings that we've attended have failed to look at issues from the perspective of the league as a whole, and the interests of individuals have tended to prevail. We remain convinced that if everyone had left their individual club hats in the boot of the car and donned a league hat every now and again, a lot of the problems that have arisen could have been avoided... to the benefit of all."

One of the biggest arguments of the lower budget clubs is the policing, or rather non-policing of the annual salary cap settings. Clubs have openly admitted to salary cap busting, but no punishment or sanction has ever been levied.

Meanwhile, Manchester Phoenix continue to prepare and build for the future with the re-signing of player coach Tony Hand to a new three-year contract. Morris added, "Tony has been my best ever signing in Manchester and I believe that his agreeing a long-term contract is a true indication of the stability that we're building here. I am delighted he's staying with us and I look forward to the club continuing to grow progressively both on and off the ice."

A further meeting of the Elite League clubs is planned for next week and Phoenix await the outcome that could determine which league they'll compete in for the 2009-10 season.

Six-team league for Stingrays?
Next Story | Previous Story | Back to News
10:08 - 03 April 2009
Hull Stingrays' Mike Pack

TEAM owner Mike Pack insists Excel Hull Stingrays remain committed to the Elite League - even if it means competing against only five other teams next season.

With Basingstoke already quitting the top flight, there are increasing suggestions three more clubs - Manchester, Edinburgh and Newcastle - might follow suit.

The trio are believed to have issues with the proposed import and spending levels for next season and could exit to join an as yet unformed Northern League.

Stingrays could be left as the minnows in a rump league of bigger-budget clubs, unless another team is tempted to join the existing set-up.

However, Pack said: "Every close-season people will re-evaluate their business and we are no different.

"We have completed our review and we have decided to compete in the Elite League next season, but I cannot speak on behalf of any of the other clubs.

"I am not aware of any other teams approaching the league to join."
Stingrays and five other teams met on Monday to discuss the way forward, but all Elite League sides appear set to attend another meeting in the next few days.

That suggests a division in the Elite League ranks, but also that the current chasm could be bridged for 2009-10.

A six-team league would bore fans rigid with its monotony, even if mid-season tournaments were to be organised involving other clubs.

Indeed, it has already provoked suggestions of fans' protests at this weekend's play-off finals in Nottingham.

Stingrays, though, face a more pressing problem, having already ditched coach Rick Strachan for 2009-10 in favour of a player-coach due to financial constraints.

Given the Elite League import level is likely to be set at 10 with a nett upper wage cap limit of £7,000 a week, it appears to leave Stingrays facing another uphill financial battle.

They will also be red-hot favourites to claim the wooden spoon - by a considerable margin.

However, as Cardiff, Nottingham, Sheffield, Belfast and Coventry could not form a viable, five-team league, it might increase Stingrays' clout.

It would not be commercially astute to have one team at so obvious a disadvantage at the bottom of the table.

Indeed, there are suggestions it could even be sufficient to guarantee the club's future, with Nottingham Panthers in particular touted as a potential suitor for cash, which might "influence" Stingrays' vote around the board room table.

Pack, though, insisted: "Hull Stingrays do not get funding from Nottingham Panthers.

"We are a full member of the Elite League. The way we vote and our view is not influenced by any other club. We make our decisions based on what is best for Hull Stingrays."

Post by **Calv** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 3:52 pm

Perhaps a goodbye message from Scott Neil?

Statement from Scott Neil on the EIHL

3rd April 2009

It is either courageous or stupid to make this statement but I stayed silent during the demise of the BNL in an attempt to protect the integrity of the sport and I promised not to do so again if similar circumstances arose. I witnessed the dismantling of a League that promised so much and it is happening all over again. I am not sure if there is any integrity left in the sport to be honest! - so nothing really to protect. No matter what spin or underhanded comments that you may hear - the following is true and whilst I may not be the best promoter in the League I believe I am one of the people who has the best interests of the sport in the UK at heart. I am aware that this statement will put the club at risk but unless there are changes it is clearly in danger anyway. It reflects my frustrations and beliefs on why UK hockey League's continue to fail and clubs fall into financial difficulty.

I have only ever looked for a relatively competitive playing field, some integrity, fairness, honesty and a league to build the club and sport.

I do expect a backlash but if lessons can be learned and the truth be told it may be best for the sport in the long run.

The Capitals, would still desire to play at the top level in the UK and I will fight my corner for our club this weekend, however the statement below will not change and time is running out.

The truth is I am fighting to save the club at the top level and have decided to stand by others to try and help save theirs.

I cannot turn to a governing body (IHUK) which is also reliant on Elite league club funding as they as a company have to consider their financial position as well. However, the morality of the situation has to be questioned and there has been an obvious conflict of interests when you consider directors responsibilities in the current set up.

It is with much regret that I have decided to no longer invest in Elite League hockey. I will not pay the £10000 demanded for being part of a league that I was already a shareholder. Perhaps someone else will but out of principal I will not!

1. I received an e mail from Elite League chairman Eamon Convery on Tuesday morning asking to commit to buying £10,000 of shares if the Capitals wanted to remain part of the League.
2. I sent an e mail back asking if this was an increase in share capital as I thought I was already a shareholder and asked for information regarding the company articles, voting structure and financial position of the company.
3. I received a reply saying I was not entitled to this information until I committed to the League and paid for the shares.

When the Capitals joined the Elite league in March 2005 we agreed to pay £10,000 for shares. I was told by Eamon Convery that the company was in a good financial position. However, after our first Elite league meeting in Milton Keynes it was revealed that the company had substantial debt and had already agreed enormous funding support to other clubs for the following season. Some of these clubs were operating on at least double our playing budget that season!

This information came as a big shock and I will not make the same mistake twice. I will not invest in any company without a level of transparency.

Edinburgh has been a team that has helped this league stabilise and along with other clubs and owners has provided a platform for other clubs to prosper. The bigger teams with more established set ups and fan bases were always going to reap the benefits first and I think it is shocking that some clubs are prepared to turn their back on clubs and fans who have bent over backwards to retain and fulfil a complete schedule year after year.

The major points that I have raised with the other Elite League clubs focus on the following. Elite league management failed miserably to protect or deliver the structure promised to the clubs and shareholders who bought into the vision of the League in 2005.

Lets take a look at what was promised and what was delivered by the League:
1. Assured on application to the League that the league was in a good healthy financial position with a philosophy of sharing
2. Assured on application that the Elite League clubs were financially sound
3. Gate Levy of 6%, challenge Cup revenue, shirt auctions, Elite finals weekend all went to help the development of the League and contingencies were set up for clubs in trouble
4. Wage Cap to protect all teams business and that it would be strictly enforced
5. Group of club owners working together
6. Promised support if I could bring forward evidence to indicate the illegality of the ITC card system. The Capitals have been legally challenged on the system through an employment discrimination claim and after asking for legal advice and guidance from IHUK and indirectly the IIHF, we received no direct response or assistance to defend the claim. Our lawyer, advised the club to accept liability and settle out of court.
7. Marketing support for the lower budget teams

Result:
1. League was substantially in debt
2. Some clubs were floundering and required huge benefits. London never made the end of the season!
3. Gate Levy was not paid and was then mysteriously stopped after our first year despite it never been voted out by the company directors or shareholders. This had a huge impact on League finances and the levy was the major factor in my decision to invest in the league in the first place.
4. Wage cap was a disgrace from the start and there was no control mechanism at all. In reality, some teams were 30% over and one season 6 teams actually admitted at the board table they were well over and still no action or control was brought against these clubs. To add insult to injury they were still allowed to collect prize money at the end of the season.
5. It was clearly a divided group from the start but it has deteriorated in the past months.
6. I brought advice from 3 EU employment specialists and the EU commission and the Elite league took their own legal advice which indicated the system was contrary to EU employment law. Result - NO support provided. The ITC card system is a sham and exploits the players and clubs and still puts clubs at risk of potential discrimination claims.
7. No support provided
8. Preferred Clubs - if you were lucky enough to be a 'preferred club' you had a much greater chance of receiving League funding through one mechanism or another. This was often even provided to teams operating well over the wage cap. As a team having to operate well below the cap I found this disgraceful.
9. Unauthorised distribution of funds - 'YES' some clubs got funding without the approval or knowledge of the other clubs
10. Shirt auction has been generally used to support one club and not the League - again not approved by all clubs.
11. I would argue that between payments of funding, prize money, commissions, shirt auctions, and other payment benefits, Edinburgh has received the least financial benefit out of all League clubs during our time in the Elite League.

This is a case of what is right, fair and ethical. There are some clubs in the current six who have received enormous benefits out of the league compared to the Capitals and it is disrespectful that they now vote in a manner that puts our future at risk. We have been patient and reluctantly accepting that some clubs needed assistance through hard times - we as others deserve the same respect and would request that a sensible compromise can be reached.
This statement is not meant to be challenging or confrontational but an attempt to get people thinking with an air of reason and understanding to decide what is really best for the sport.

Regardless, the Caps will play hockey 2009/10

Interesting to hear that clubs who have broken the wage cap need financial support from the league, great business there guys!!

Also suggests that the bigger clubs claims that 'the smaller 3 clubs are surviving from handouts from the bigger clubs' is a load of rubbish

Post by **Calv** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 4:50 pm

There's also the small matter of the playoff final this weekend

The semis are as follows:
Saturday afternoon:
Sheffield v Cardiff
Saturday evening:
Nottingham v Coventry

The final is on sunday and all games are in nottingham