EIHL expansion

24 Feb 2017Robert Newbolt»

The EIHL in the UK will have two new teams next year.

Guildford Flames will become the 12th team in the Elite Ice Hockey League from next season, 2017-18.

Their move from the English Premier League was ratified at an EIHL meeting earlier in the week and they will join EPL rivals Milton Keynes Lightning as new additions.

The Lightning were accepted into the league earlier in the season but at a previous meeting Guildford signified their intent by requesting to join.

The Flames began competing in 1992-1993 and currently compete out of the 2000 seat Guildford Spectrum in the English Premier League (EPL) made up of 10 English teams. Since joining the EPL, the Flames have won 6 League championships, 5 Premier Cups, and 2 Playoff titles.

Guildford have been asked to step up to a higher level before but now feel the time is right.

Guildford’s Chief Operating Officer Kirk Humphreys is delighted to see his team come on board and believes the time was right for the Flames to join the Elite League.

“We believe the jump to the Elite League level will be well received by our fans, and best suits our own objectives in promoting the most competitive, entertaining hockey we can put on the ice.

“After a successful quarter century, we are the same club, same home building, same ties to the community, but now we have the chance to compete in the highest league available to us.

“We hope our fans are as thrilled as we are to begin our next steps at the very top of British ice hockey.”

Eihl chairman Tony Smith was delighted with the announcement “With Milton Keynes Lightning also competing from next season, it’s an exciting time and our growth is a definite positive as we look to the future."