The British Universities Ice Hockey Association (BUIHA) is fully behind the merger of Ice Hockey UK, England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey to create single, strong governing body for the sport.  

University ice hockey has a vibrant culture in the UK, boasting 1,000 players representing more than 50 universities as part of over 20 clubs. 

The section runs numerous competitions across the UK and also manages the Great Britain Students program, in collaboration with BUCS and Ice Hockey UK, to enter the FISU World University Games. 

A spokesperson from the BUIHA commented: “We have seen significant change in how the sport is governed over the last five years as leaders from across the sport have worked together to reform our existing organisations making them more fit for purpose and supportive of the development of the sport.

“However, there is shared recognition that the current model of having three governing bodies is inefficient, lacks joined up decision making and processes and does not support the whole sport effectively.

“It’s reassuring to see leaders of IHUK, EIH and SIH come together in a shared aspiration that the sport can do better by uniting under a single body, allowing it to support more participants, provide better experiences and increase our focus on supporting our young people to achieve their potential.

“University Ice Hockey has advocated for a single unified body for the sport for several years and the five underpinning principles outlined provide a clear focus on why this is an important next step for the sport.  We look forward to a brighter future for the sport that allows for us all to come together to continue to grow the game we care so much for.”

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.   

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Photo credit: Mihir Gohad