Bracknell Bees are NOT guaranteed a spot in the end of season play-offs.
Minutes from a meeting among English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL) clubs last week revealed that both Manchester Phoenix and leaders Telford Tigers would be excluded entry to the play-offs as punishment for failing to meet financial restraints.
That would have left just eight sides in the running, meaning qualification would have been confirmed regardless of finishing position.
However, following protest from Telford, the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) have today (Friday) released a statement saying they reject the league’s proposal and will allow any club to qualify with the new rules coming into force for the 2017-18 campaign.
Upon hearing the initial verdict, Tigers said they “do not accept the proposal” and that they would be “using every avenue available to us to make sure Telford Tigers participate in the end of season play-offs.”
And it seems to have worked.
The EIHA statement read: “The EIHA can announce that the play-off competition for EPIHL this season will follow the published Rules of Competition with the top eight sides from the
regular season qualifying for the play-offs.
“EIHA chairman Ken Taggart has confirmed that a planned rule change to punish teams who liquidate or enter administration will be enforced from next season.
“A meeting of club owners sought to exclude Telford and Manchester to exclude Telford and Manchester from post-season play after their respective limited companies had been liquidated.
“The EIHA cannot support a decision with retrospective penalties. I can guarantee that strong sanctions for violating agreed financial protocols will be included in next season’s Rules of Competition.”
Bees, who sit eight points off Sheffield Steeldogs who currently occupy the final play-off spot, have this afternoon responded.
They said: “Following a meeting that was attended by members of the Bracknell Bees Management Team on January 25, the EPIHL play-offs situation was robustly and openly discussed which has resulted in this being resolved amicably.
“In our opinion, this decision is correct.
“This will allow the league to ensure this issue will be covered in the Rules of Competition going forward.”
Bees host bottom club Manchester Phoenix tomorrow before travelling to Telford Tigers on Sunday (both 6pm).
