The recently proposed structure of National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) Division 1 South is again under review.
This follows confirmation by the English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) that the Solent Devils, Oxford City Stars and Chelmsford Chieftains had all withdrawn from the league within the past 24 hours.
Chelmsford, Oxford and Solent have all withdrawn from NIHL Div 1 South
As a result, the conference format agreed is now no longer viable and further clubs have requested their withdrawal from the league citing additional costs. This is due to the likely outcome being a regular league contested among the remaining sides.
Ultimately though, the result is that Solent, Oxford and Chelmsford will no longer compete in the division, leaving Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees, Cardiff Fire, London Raiders, Milton Keynes Thunder, Peterborough Phantoms, Streatham IHC, Swindon Wildcats and the Invicta Dynamos as the only remaining teams in NIHL South’s top tier.
This will then lead to discussion over a new league and cup format for the new season, however this is yet to be confirmed.
A full statement from the Invicta Dynamos on the situation, along with a statement from the EIHA can be found here:
Emma Catherine (Sports Journalist) 