The Elite League, otherwise known as Elite Ice Hockey League or EIHL, is the top level of professional ice hockey in the UK. Current teams include the following:
- Belfast Giants
- Cardiff Devils
- Coventry Blaze
- Dundee Stars
- Fife Flyers
- Glasgow Clan
- Guildford Flames
- Manchester Storm
- Nottingham Panthers
- Sheffield Steelers
Is Elite League Hockey the best in Europe?
Let’s cut right to the chase. No, the Elite League hockey is not the best in Europe.
Firstly, the most highly regarded ice hockey league regarded outside of Europe is arguably the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). The KHL is based in Russia and it is debatable whether it therefore classifies as a European league.
Aside from the KHL, notable leagues generally come from the Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Denmark Norway etc) with an honourable mention to the German league.
What can the Elite League do to compete?
We’ve written before about ‘growing the game’ in Manchester and the UK more generally. More customers and more fans (more people to spend money) will ultimately make the Elite League stronger and improve the quality of the ice hockey.
There are other areas though, where the Elite League can focus to improve its credibility and reach.
Young British talent
The first way is for young, talented British players to play at a level higher than the Elite League. Liam Kirk currently leads the way in this regard. He is the only British player to have been drafted in the NHL. Liam played for the Sheffield Steelers and is a product of the Sheffield junior ice hockey academy. Liam is currently building his experience in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), a feeder league to the NHL.
Having a British player (or two) play in the NHL would do wonders for the sport’s reputation and by proxy, the Elite League as well.
Obtaining high level players
The Elite League teams would help to improve the credibility of the league, if it can attract and keep high level players (ideally with a known following from other leagues).
A great example of this is the signing by the Sheffield Steelers of Jeremy Brodeur. Jeremy is a the son of the legendary, hall of fame, netminder from the NHL, Martin Brodeur (and Jeremy also plays netminder). A signing of that type brings more interest to the league.
One of the ways the Elite League can attract high level players is by some of the desirable cities to live in. Manchester and Belfast in particular are international cities. A team in London would also improve this attraction!
Team GB success
In many the same ways as above, if team GB does well, it reflects well on the professional league in the UK. This is because the majority of the players for Team GB play in the Elite League.
Remember all – Grow the game.
Get a friend down.
Check out the Elite League website for more information on the league.
