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Post by NickThePanther44 on Jan 22, 2007 14:54:41 GMT
one of my friends told me a while ago that MK will be joining our league in the next couple of seasons, does anyone know if theres any truth behind this?
is there a possiblity that the Elite league will again be expanded, is there any new rumours going around about a new London team as the ones i heard have gone very quiet?
Nick
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Post by KimThePanther on Jan 22, 2007 16:11:51 GMT
The Lightning have an option of joining the Elite League without the need to make an application to the Board of Directors. I believe however that they will lose this right if they don't become a member next season.
It all hinges on whether or not the Milton Keynes Ice Rink is redeveloped, I believe this was recently approved and that the Deputy Prime Minister's Office has decided against conducting their own review of the plans. This could pave the way for work to begin soon and could possibly lead to the addition of Milton Keynes Lightning next season.
While we're speculating. If Milton Keynes were to exercise their option it would leave the EIHL with 11 members, a number I doubt they'd want. This would leave the door open for a 12th member. But who?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2007 16:16:21 GMT
Guildford or slough
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Post by KimThePanther on Jan 22, 2007 16:22:58 GMT
I would certainly be all for Guildford joining. They're a very big fish in a small pond. They get 1,500 a week in the EPL so deffinatley have the support base for a EIHL team. They've won all but a handful of league games so far this season and recently managed to 'buy' a Solihull player to strengthen their side. If I were a Flames fan I wouldn't be happy with my team competing at that level and would like them to step up.
Initially they might prove unattractive to fans of other EIHL sides but how many of us considered Coventry to be a must see game in EIHL season one? I certainly didn't. It wasn't long ago that the Flames and Blaze were battling it out for BNL silverware so I see no reason why Guildford couldn't adjust to the set up.
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Post by supermattytrickett on Jan 22, 2007 18:14:02 GMT
I would certainly be all for Guildford joining. They're a very big fish in a small pond. They get 1,500 a week in the EPL so deffinatley have the support base for a EIHL team. They've won all but a handful of league games so far this season and recently managed to 'buy' a Solihull player to strengthen their side. If I were a Flames fan I wouldn't be happy with my team competing at that level and would like them to step up. Initially they might prove unattractive to fans of other EIHL sides but how many of us considered Coventry to be a must see game in EIHL season one? I certainly didn't. It wasn't long ago that the Flames and Blaze were battling it out for BNL silverware so I see no reason why Guildford couldn't adjust to the set up. I think we've seen from the Flames organisation over the last decade that they're perfectly happy playing the role of the big fish in a small pond. They also have no history at the top level of hockey in this country, and have never played above the second tier of UK ice hockey league. Yes, I hear you say that we all have to start somewhere, but Guildford would have had a few opportunities to press their case for top flight hockey over the years, and they're still in the same position. Questions of ambition anybody? If anything, we need back the Scottish teams who add so much character to the UK game. Racers vs Flyers games would be a welcome rivalry to renew at the top level. I thought i'd never see the day that neither Fife or Dundee to a lesser degree would not be in either of the two top leagues in this country.
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Post by sawchuk on Jan 22, 2007 18:20:24 GMT
If anything, we need back the Scottish teams who add so much character to the UK game. Racers vs Flyers games would be a welcome rivalry to renew at the top level. I thought i'd never see the day that neither Fife or Dundee to a lesser degree would not be in either of the two top leagues in this country. Absolutely SMT!
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Post by KimThePanther on Jan 22, 2007 18:30:29 GMT
I would certainly be all for Guildford joining. They're a very big fish in a small pond. They get 1,500 a week in the EPL so deffinatley have the support base for a EIHL team. They've won all but a handful of league games so far this season and recently managed to 'buy' a Solihull player to strengthen their side. If I were a Flames fan I wouldn't be happy with my team competing at that level and would like them to step up. Initially they might prove unattractive to fans of other EIHL sides but how many of us considered Coventry to be a must see game in EIHL season one? I certainly didn't. It wasn't long ago that the Flames and Blaze were battling it out for BNL silverware so I see no reason why Guildford couldn't adjust to the set up. I think we've seen from the Flames organisation over the last decade that they're perfectly happy playing the role of the big fish in a small pond. They also have no history at the top level of hockey in this country, and have never played above the second tier of UK ice hockey league. Yes, I hear you say that we all have to start somewhere, but Guildford would have had a few opportunities to press their case for top flight hockey over the years, and they're still in the same position. Questions of ambition anybody? If anything, we need back the Scottish teams who add so much character to the UK game. Racers vs Flyers games would be a welcome rivalry to renew at the top level. I thought i'd never see the day that neither Fife or Dundee to a lesser degree would not be in either of the two top leagues in this country. That's a good point SMT. I seem to remember during the final days of the old HL that Guildford were one of the driving forces behind the formation of the ISL and that we only got in after they pulled out for some unknown reason? Certainly there doesn't seem anything to suggest that the Flames would be interested in making the step up but I certainly think that they could do. I agree with the Scottish teams too. I think Dundee would have a reasonable chance of getting in but I'm not to sure about Fife. You get the feeling that personal vendettas are really getting in the way of things there and that the Flyers won't be welcome into the Elite League as long as Tam Muir remains chairman. A damn shame a felow 'elder statesmen' like them are allowed to play at amatuer level to increasingly poor crowds.
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Post by NickThePanther44 on Jan 22, 2007 21:06:04 GMT
would be good to get Dundee in the league, a rivalry between them and the Caps could get the Scots slightly more interested.
also agree with Kim, Guildford would be a good addition.
also what about Ayr, last i heard there was alot of support for there return and it was steadily making progress.
Nick
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Rich
Paul Adey
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Post by Rich on Jan 23, 2007 9:19:04 GMT
Just to confirm, not sure how public knowledge it is but the rink is being close for improvements very soon...
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Post by heja on Jan 23, 2007 10:30:53 GMT
guildford will never join the elite league, there happy with being the big fish in the small pond.
i just don't really want them in the elite league either, justy don't like there team for some reason lol
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Post by NickThePanther44 on Jan 23, 2007 13:47:02 GMT
a possible clue there then Rich, what is there arena currently like?
would be good to have MK in the league
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Rich
Paul Adey
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Post by Rich on Jan 23, 2007 15:54:15 GMT
Hmmm looks like i lost a reply (user error no doubt)
Id say MK isnt far off coventry, not quite the capacity but theres worse rinks that have been in the top flight of UK hockey for sure. Easily as good as basingstoke!
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Post by rangers on Jan 24, 2007 12:38:29 GMT
Didn't Dundee apply the other year to join? would love to see them back. We had a fantastic rivalry going with them, easily the highlight of my time watching the BNL-including our cup wins. Would like to see Fife as well, if only for traditions sake.
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Frodo
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Post by Frodo on Jan 25, 2007 3:52:06 GMT
In an ideal world wouldnt it be better it ALL british teams where part of the same organisation and then we could have 2 tiers of meaningful hockey as it stands at the moment it appears both organisations have different directions. take this year if the bottom two dont make the p.o then nothing happens they're just disappointed, it would make it much more of a competitive system if the lower clubs had something to fight for!
Plus think of the open cup KO competition involving everyone how drama and excitement would that add!
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BJ
Pat Casey
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Post by BJ on Feb 1, 2007 16:38:15 GMT
Hmmm looks like i lost a reply (user error no doubt) Id say MK isnt far off coventry, not quite the capacity but theres worse rinks that have been in the top flight of UK hockey for sure. Easily as good as basingstoke! Dont forget the fine establishment opposite the main doors. Remember the lovely polite young lady we met as we came out after playing there as she was on her way to work!
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Rich
Paul Adey
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Post by Rich on Feb 4, 2007 13:17:59 GMT
Hmmm looks like i lost a reply (user error no doubt) Id say MK isnt far off coventry, not quite the capacity but theres worse rinks that have been in the top flight of UK hockey for sure. Easily as good as basingstoke! Dont forget the fine establishment opposite the main doors. Remember the lovely polite young lady we met as we came out after playing there as she was on her way to work! No BJ, none of us saw anything, must just have been you,perv Who got MOM that day....
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Post by marshalfish on Feb 4, 2007 18:25:52 GMT
Didn't Dundee apply the other year to join? would love to see them back. We had a fantastic rivalry going with them, easily the highlight of my time watching the BNL-including our cup wins. Would like to see Fife as well, if only for traditions sake. I agree totally. Personally, I'd love to see Dundee back again, and Fife too for that matter. I also agree that at least a 2 league set up would be good. Promotion and relegation always spices things up, not to mention the cup possibilities.
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