Elite Ice Hockey League
Elite Ice Hockey League ( EIHL ) is a professional ice hockey league in the United Kingdom. It was founded in 2003 and emerged from the Ice Hockey Superleague. After some initial confusion, which could be solved through mediation of the Hockey World Federation, the EIHL is recognized by the British Ice Hockey Association Ice Hockey UK.
The EIHL is considered the top flight of British ice hockey, nor the English Premier Ice Hockey League. Between the two leagues, there is no up or relegated. Financial realities point to the lineup for the EIHL fluctuate regularly. Because of their sponsor's Bmibaby Bmibaby it is also known as the Elite League.
Mode
The EIHL plays annually from four competitions. The regular season consists of 54 game days, each team has three home and away games against each other team.
The top eight teams in the regular season qualify for the playoffs. The quarter- finals will be played in home and away matches. The two semi-finals and finals will be played in a tournament in Nottingham.
In addition, two cup competitions are held during the season. For the Challenge Cup the ten teams are divided into two groups of five. Each team has two home games and two away games. The home rights will be drawn. From both groups get the two best teams in the semi-finals. The Knockout Cup will be played in KO method with return games.
Participants in the 2013/14 season
Former teams
- Basingstoke Bison (2003-2009)
- London Racers (2003-2005)
- Manchester Phoenix (2003-2009)
- Newcastle Vipers (2003-2011)
Master of the previous seasons
Organization
The Board consists of one member of each club. There would be eligible to play alongside the current clubs and the London Racers and Milton Keynes Lightning in the Elite League, there is a guide - The Board of Directors - of twelve members. Chairman Eamon Convery is. This body decides on the admission of other clubs.
History of the last years
Since the British Ice Hockey plays no major role in European and world hockey events, spectator interest is limited to a few clubs. Until 2003 the sport in the UK was very popular. Individual clubs (Manchester Storm, Sheffield Steelers, Belfast Giants or Newcastle Vipers ) reached an average attendance 6500-9000 people. Since 2004, the league is in a crowd and has deep financial problems.
More Contests
In the season 2005/ 06, during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, the EIHL took the opportunity to revive the Ahearne Cup. The Kölner Haie and Iserlohn Roosters played against Coventry Blaze, the Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers. It was the big difference between the EIHL and the DEL significantly, because the German clubs have won all four games.
Awards of the EIHL
- Netminder of the Year - (2009 /10: Peter Hirsch, Coventry Blaze )
- Defence of the year - (2009 /10: Jonathan Weaver, Coventry Blaze )
- Forward of the Year - (2009/10: Luke Fulghum, Coventry Blaze )
- British player of the year - (2009 /10: Stephen Murphy, Belfast Giants )
- Newcomer of the Year - (2009 /10: Owen Fussey, Edinburgh Capitals )
- Player of the Year - (2009 /10: Colin Shields, Belfast Giants )
- Coach of the year - (2009 /10: Paul Thompson, Coventry Blaze )
- Fans favorite - (2009/10: Luke Fulghum, Coventry Blaze )
- Entertainer of the year - (2009 /10: Jason Robinson, Coventry Blaze )
Known player
- Gerad Adams
- Tom Askey
- Wade Belak
- Maxim Birbrajer
- Curtis Bowen
- Eric Cairns
- Dan Carlson
- Sylvain Cloutier
- Ed Courtenay
- John Craighead
- Philippe DeRouville
- Mark Dutiaume
- Jade Galbraith
- Steve Gallace
- Rod Hinks
- Mikko Koivunoro
- Marc Lefebvre
- Jeff Legue
- David Longstaff
- Neal Martin
- Johan Molin
- Steve Munn
- Yves Racine
- Jason Ruff
- Rod Sarich
- Doug Sheppard
- Ashley Tait
- Joe Talbot
- Dan Tessier
- David Vychodil
- Patrik Wallenberg