The Elite Ice Hockey League has provided a strong message of support for the merger of Ice Hockey UK, England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey. 

The UK’s premier ice hockey competition, bringing 10 teams from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales together, with 1.25M fans enjoying the sport, see the merger as a critical element in growing the game and its standards.  

A spokesperson for the Elite League commented: “The move to a single, unified and professionally organised governing body has been spoken about, and needed in my view, for a long time. It’s great that it now has a real possibility of happening.

“The Elite Ice Hockey League would like more British players, and the merger will allow for a clear pathway from grassroots to elite – whether here in our league, or overseas. This can only be a good thing, and we are keen to support this pathway where we are able to add value.

“British players are a vital part of our future success both at Elite level and on the international stage. Right now, there are initiatives being implemented which in time can only benefit players and clubs alike.

“We remain committed to working closely with IHUK CEO Henry Staelens, his team and the Ice Hockey UK stakeholders, on ideas to develop British talent over the coming years, with a number of plans already in in the final stages of development.”

About the Ice Hockey UK, England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey Merger 

The merger of Ice Hockey UK, England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey will transform the positioning of ice hockey across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  

Bringing all the resources of the organisations together under a single governing body will enable nationwide growth and development. Five core principles will underpin the work of the organisation, including professionalise to perform, enhance the experience, member-centricity, sustainability for generations to come and fully recognise potential.  

Through months of consultation, engagement with other IIHF members and a driven, newly appointed executive team, the boards of the IHUK, EIH and SIH all unanimously approved the merging of the three bodies to bring everyone Together As One. 

Ahead of a general meeting on 17 December, where IHUK, EIH and SIH will encourage its members to vote in favour of the vote, a number of meetings with key stakeholders and groups across the sport are being held, to ensure the merger delivers improvement and certainty in relation to their requirements.  

Members are welcome to submit any questions or comments about the merger in advance of the general meeting via memberservices@englandicehockey.com for England and media@scottishicehockey.co.uk for Scotland. England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey staff will ensure all queries are addressed during the sessions of in the follow-up materials. 

Voting process explained 

A general meeting of members will be held for both England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey on 17 December.

In the formal notice sent to members, directors and auditors, a proposed special resolution will be set out, asking members to agree that they wish to proceed with creating a merged entity. 

If approved, this will be followed by an extensive period of detailed consultation, funded by UK Sport, with all sections using the five guiding principles to reshape the operations and delivery of the sport.

England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey will each invite their members entered on the register of members (their affiliated clubs and teams), any honorary members, together with their respective boards, to attend the general meeting.

In line with their Articles of Association, each member is entitled to receive notice of, attend and cast one vote at the meeting (subject to being duly registered and all fees being paid).  

To pass the special resolution, at least 75% of votes cast on the day must be in favour. Members will have the right to appoint a proxy (or proxies), up to 48 hours before the meeting.   

To send us your latest club news, please click here!