EHM The Blue Line

Elite League members reach agreement on exciting new future.

News posted: 06-04-2009
Following pro-active negotiations at a meeting of the nine clubs on Monday, the Elite League are delighted to announce that a new format involving all the clubs has been reached.

Chairman Eamon Convery confirmed, “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.”

“To that effect, 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 as we know it will cease, but a new revised Challenge Cup will be unveiled and work on the full format of the competition, leading to a one-game, neutral venue final has begun already.”

“ The Elite League is also keen to introduce a new early-season tournament weekend and again, work on an exciting new three-day festival has already begun. And then of course, the culmination of the season will be the post-season playoffs and the goal of every club to get through to the Playoff Finals weekend.”

“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.”

This was also announced at the Devils Farewell Party tonight. Shannon Hope described the new competition to replace the BK Cup as a "3 day Oktoberfest Beer Festival".

He also said that the meeting went really well as everyone was in a good mood having enjoyed the Playoffs weekend.

Now, I struggled to hear a couple of bits and the order they came in but I think I heard mentioned:

-There would be 'at least' 9 teams. That there was never going to be 6 teams.
-The possible introduction of new team(s) in the new year
-The inclusion of european teams.

I can't be certain about the last two points - they might be connected or I may have misunderstood what they were on about regarding the new Champions League trophy.
I'm sure other Devils fans will confirm what was said later.

Matt Burge also said they would be helping some of the teams with their marketing, as for some clubs it was almost non-existent.

Published Date: 30 April 2009
EDINBURGH Capitals will play in an eight-strong Elite League next season it has been confirmed.

Manchester Phoenix officials have followed Basingstoke Bison in withdrawing from the league.

Phoenix, who have Edinburgh-based Tony Hand as their player/coach, will now compete in the English Premier League after suffering serious losses last season.

Club owner Neil Morris said: "Despite a quite remarkable campaign in many respects last season, the club as a business didn't realise its financial planning and that prompted a serious re-evalution of the operation.

"When we laid all the cards on the table, the option to move to the EPL ticked all the boxes.

"We believe that the English Premier League offers not only a great challenge for Tony Hand and his team but also the best opportunity to ensure the long-term future for the club and the sport in Manchester."