EIHL funding ‘ only for English clubs’

The “Winter Survival Package” that will allow the EIHL to apply for up to £ 4 million in funding applies to “English clubs only”.

Last week it was announced that ice hockey was included as part of the £ 300m “Winter Survival Package” across a range of sports, with an initial allocation of £ 4m being made available to the EIHL.

However, it is now understood that this will only be available to clubs in England and separate funds will be made available to the devolved authorities under the Barnett formula.

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment on what funding could be made available to Scottish clubs in the league, Dundee Stars, Fife Flyers, and the Glasgow Clan.

League chairman Tony Smith confirmed that the league would be pressing ahead in an attempt to secure funding for clubs in the devolved nations, with Irish side Belfast Giants and Welsh outfit Cardiff Devils subject to separate funding initiatives.

He said: “We are not losing sight of the fact that we applied for government help as one Elite League across four nations.

“While the funding that covers England is extremely welcome, our next steps are to try to secure similar possibilities for the remaining five teams ( Belfast Giants, Cardiff Devils, Dundee Stars, Fife Flyers & Glasgow Clan).

The EIHL will do everything it can to assist these teams in requesting funding from their devolved administrations, and take the lead in the process where required.”