Telford Tigers make application to play in NIHL
Telford Tigers have applied to play in the NIHL next season.
The Tigers had another successful season over the last campaign in the EPIHL, finishing top of the table but losing in the Playoff final to Milton Keynes.
The club released a statement online confirming the decision.
"Telford Tigers have made an application to play in the English National League (north) next season." read the statement.
"The club’s application will be heard during a league meeting to be held on Sunday, May 14th, 2017.
"No further comment regarding the application will be made until that time."
English Ice Hockey Association chairman Ken Taggart advised the seven remaining clubs in the English Premier Ice Hockey League that his recommendation for season 17/18 was to join the respective north and south divisions of the National Ice Hockey League in a statement from the EIHA.
"Over the last months there has been discussion and face to face meetings between our clubs in EPIHL and NIHL around the future structure, especially in Tier 2. Our colleagues at IHUK have also been involved in these discussions to try and formulate a national UK-wide second tier of senior ice hockey." said Mr. Taggart.
“The current position is that not one of our current NIHL clubs are willing to commit to joining a Tier 2/Premier League structure so that leaves just seven clubs.
“It is my opinion that for those clubs a new Premier League would not be feasible and would be at risk should any of the issues that EPIHL clubs went through this year surface again in the new season.
“My recommendation that they apply to join the NIHL structure would mean a lower cost base in terms of travelling and player budget and lower risk that financial issues could affect the whole league."
