Positive response for new tier-two plans for UK ice hockey
There was a very healthy turnout at the meeting in Manchester this week for the proposed tier-two nationwide league in the UK.
Led by Ice Hockey UK chairman Richard Grieveson, along with EIHA chairman Ken Taggart and SIH chairman David Hand, the meeting started with a presentation about the proposals, followed by an open discussion from the floor.
Representatives from IHUK, EIHA SIH, EPL, NIHL and rink owners attended the meeting and the initial proposals received broad support from the floor.
A new proposed tier-two league structure was discussed and Richard Grieveson was keen to encourage debate and dialogue from those in attendance in order to amend and enhance the proposals developed to date.
After broad support from the floor for the proposed set-up, it was agreed that a detailed plan would now be drawn up in preparation for the next meeting in mid-March.
A timeframe for moving forward was discussed, with a view to agreeing detailed proposals at that meeting.
League objective
To develop and operate a new, sustainable, financially viable and fit-for-purpose league at tier-two level throughout the UK which provides opportunities for British players to develop.
Representation at tier-two meeting
Aberdeen, Basingstoke, Blackburn, Bracknell, Deeside, Hull, Ice Sheffield, NIHL clubs representative, Peterborough, Planet Ice, Telford, Sheffield Scimitars, Sheffield Steeldogs, Solway and Swindon.