Post by JP on Dec 8, 2004 18:14:56 GMT 1
Vipers close in on Elite status
Dec 7 2004
By Peter Adams, The Journal
The Newcastle Vipers take the next step towards joining the Elite Ice Hockey League today when owner Darryl Illingworth and general manager Clyde Tuyl will meet the Elite League's directors at the Planet Ice Rink in Milton Keynes.
The Vipers have already held preliminary talks with EIHL chairman Eamonn Convery, who travelled to Newcastle last month.
Illingworth heads south in positive mood, believing the EIHL will soon make an announcement about the Vipers joining.
The Vipers boss said: "We want to hear about what the EIHL intends to do for next season, what the wage cap will be, the number of imports will be allowed, in fact all their plans, and they will want to know how we stand financially and I am sure we will be able to satisfy them.
"I am quietly confident and if we are happy and they are, then I think things could move pretty quickly."
Last week Illingworth unexpectedly spoke of his plans to quit the ailing British National League at the end of the season and he is hopeful that the Vipers will be joined in the EIHL by other league rivals.
After letting the cat out of the bag as regards the Edinburgh Capitals' intentions, Illingworth, who has since apologised for this slip, is keeping quiet about which other BNL clubs he expects to be represented at today's get-together.
But Illingworth did add: "I hope to be playing next season in a 12-14 strong league and it is right to say that there is a lot going on behind the scenes."
The Vipers resigned from the BNL in October meeting and also pulled out of the 14 Caledonian Cup competition last month.
Dundee Stars director Steven Ward spoke to Illingworth during the teams' match on Sunday and tried to make him change his mind and fulfil the remaining cup ties.
Dec 7 2004
By Peter Adams, The Journal
The Newcastle Vipers take the next step towards joining the Elite Ice Hockey League today when owner Darryl Illingworth and general manager Clyde Tuyl will meet the Elite League's directors at the Planet Ice Rink in Milton Keynes.
The Vipers have already held preliminary talks with EIHL chairman Eamonn Convery, who travelled to Newcastle last month.
Illingworth heads south in positive mood, believing the EIHL will soon make an announcement about the Vipers joining.
The Vipers boss said: "We want to hear about what the EIHL intends to do for next season, what the wage cap will be, the number of imports will be allowed, in fact all their plans, and they will want to know how we stand financially and I am sure we will be able to satisfy them.
"I am quietly confident and if we are happy and they are, then I think things could move pretty quickly."
Last week Illingworth unexpectedly spoke of his plans to quit the ailing British National League at the end of the season and he is hopeful that the Vipers will be joined in the EIHL by other league rivals.
After letting the cat out of the bag as regards the Edinburgh Capitals' intentions, Illingworth, who has since apologised for this slip, is keeping quiet about which other BNL clubs he expects to be represented at today's get-together.
But Illingworth did add: "I hope to be playing next season in a 12-14 strong league and it is right to say that there is a lot going on behind the scenes."
The Vipers resigned from the BNL in October meeting and also pulled out of the 14 Caledonian Cup competition last month.
Dundee Stars director Steven Ward spoke to Illingworth during the teams' match on Sunday and tried to make him change his mind and fulfil the remaining cup ties.
Let's hope they make it into the EIHL, the bigger the league the better!
