Together As One: Elite League supports one governing body
The Elite Ice Hockey League has issued a strong message of support for the merger of Ice Hockey UK, England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey.
Britain’s premier ice hockey league, which brings together ten teams from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and enjoys the sport’s 1.25 million fans, sees the merger as a crucial element in the growth of the game and its standards.
An Elite League spokesperson said: “The move to a single, unified and professionally organized governing body has been discussed for a long time and, in my view, is necessary. It’s great that this is now a real possibility.
“The Elite Ice Hockey League is keen to get more British players, and the merger will enable a clear path from grassroots to elite – whether in our league or abroad. This can only be a good thing, and we are keen to support this path where we can add value.
“British players are a vital part of our future success, both at Elite level and on the international stage, and initiatives are currently being implemented that can only benefit players and clubs in the long run.
“We remain committed to working closely with IHUK CEO Henry Staelens, his team and Ice Hockey UK stakeholders over the coming years on ideas to develop British talent, with a number of plans already in the final stages of development.”
About the ice hockey merger between Great Britain, England and Scotland
The merger of Ice Hockey UK, England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey will change the positioning of ice hockey in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Bringing together all the organizations’ resources under one governing body will enable national growth and development. Five core principles will underpin the organization’s work, including professionalizing performance, improving experience, member-centric, sustainability for generations to come and fully recognizing potential.
After months of consultation, collaboration with other IIHF members and a passionate, newly appointed Executive Team, the boards of the IHUK, EIH and SIH have all unanimously approved the merger of the three bodies to bring everyone together as one.
Ahead of a general meeting on December 17, where IHUK, EIH and SIH will encourage their members to vote in favor of the vote, a number of meetings will be held with key stakeholders and groups from the sport to ensure the merger delivers improvement and certainty in relation to their requirements.
Members can submit questions or comments about the merger before the AGM to memberservices@englandicehockey.com for England and media@scottishicehockey.co.uk for Scotland. The England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey staff will ensure that all questions are answered during the sessions or in follow-up material.
Voting process explained
A General Members’ Meeting will be held for both English and Scottish ice hockey on December 17.
The formal notice sent to the members, directors and auditors will set out a proposed special resolution asking the members to agree to the formation of 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 sport’s operations and delivery.
England Ice Hockey and Scottish Ice Hockey will each invite their registered members (their affiliated clubs and teams), any honorary members, together with their respective boards, to attend the General Meeting.
In accordance with their articles of association, each member has the right to convene, attend and cast one vote at the meeting (provided he is duly registered and all fees have been paid).
To adopt the special resolution, at least 75% of the votes cast on that day must be in favor. Members have the right to appoint a proxy (or proxies) up to 48 hours before the meeting.
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