Post by 2+2 on May 12, 2004 18:44:31 GMT 1
The Belfast Ice Warriors
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/general/story.jsp?story=520520
Quote
Ice Hockey: New home rink is set for N-West
By Stuart McKinley
sportseditor@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 May 2004
PLANNING approval from Coleraine Borough Council will be the first stage in setting up the first ice hockey match between two professional teams from Northern Ireland.
The Ice Warriors team are expected to compete in the British National League next season once the go-ahead is received to erect a home rink in the Coleraine area.
With clubs in the BNL taking on Elite League teams in a cup competition next season, it means the Ice Warriors and the Belfast Giants will meet on a home and away basis.
It is understood that an announcement from the new club regarding their north-west venue is imminent and that planning permission for another building in the grounds of the King's Hall at Balmoral is also close.
The building in Coleraine is expected be ready for the start of the season, but it will be towards the end of the year before the Belfast arena will open.
The Elite League v BNL cup competition will involve home and away games against each team from the opposing league.
That means two local derby games which is sure to whet the appetite of every ice hockey fan in Northern Ireland.
The Ice Warriors were accepted into the BNL a year ago but then decided to shelve their plans for 12 months.
Despite having their application to the league approved, the Ice Warriors will have to go through the process again, although that isn't expected to pose a problem.
"Every team, even those who played in the BNL last season, have to go through the same application process," said a BNL spokesman.
"Even the likes of Newcastle and Bracknell who played last season will have to reapply and so too will the Ice Warriors."
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/general/story.jsp?story=520520
Quote
Ice Hockey: New home rink is set for N-West
By Stuart McKinley
sportseditor@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
12 May 2004
PLANNING approval from Coleraine Borough Council will be the first stage in setting up the first ice hockey match between two professional teams from Northern Ireland.
The Ice Warriors team are expected to compete in the British National League next season once the go-ahead is received to erect a home rink in the Coleraine area.
With clubs in the BNL taking on Elite League teams in a cup competition next season, it means the Ice Warriors and the Belfast Giants will meet on a home and away basis.
It is understood that an announcement from the new club regarding their north-west venue is imminent and that planning permission for another building in the grounds of the King's Hall at Balmoral is also close.
The building in Coleraine is expected be ready for the start of the season, but it will be towards the end of the year before the Belfast arena will open.
The Elite League v BNL cup competition will involve home and away games against each team from the opposing league.
That means two local derby games which is sure to whet the appetite of every ice hockey fan in Northern Ireland.
The Ice Warriors were accepted into the BNL a year ago but then decided to shelve their plans for 12 months.
Despite having their application to the league approved, the Ice Warriors will have to go through the process again, although that isn't expected to pose a problem.
"Every team, even those who played in the BNL last season, have to go through the same application process," said a BNL spokesman.
"Even the likes of Newcastle and Bracknell who played last season will have to reapply and so too will the Ice Warriors."
