English Premier Ice Hockey League
Encyclopedia
The English Premier Ice Hockey League commonly abbreviated to EPIHL, or simply EPL, is a senior ice hockey
league in England
, and is run and administered by the English Ice Hockey Association
. The league currently consists of 10 teams predominantly based in Southern England
, and is generally considered to be the second tier league below the Elite Ice Hockey League
although there is no promotion or relegation between the two.
The league was founded in 1997, where it initially served as the effective 3rd tier of the game, offering a level of play above the import free English leagues, but below the 8 import British National League
. Since the 2005–06 season it has functioned as the second tier, as previously the now disbanded British National League
filled this position; and, in fact, many previous BNL teams now play in the EPIHL.
The Season culminates with the play-offs. 8 teams qualify, and engage in a 2 leg home and away series to decide which 4 teams will attend the Play Off Finals weekend, held in the SkyDome Arena
Coventry, a neutral venue. The team that finished 1st in the league plays the team the finished 8th. The team that finished 2nd plays the team that finished 7th. The team that finished 3rd plays the team that finished 6th. The team that finished 4th plays the team that finished 5th. 1v8,2v7,3v6,4v5 the higher placed team in the league choses weather two play if they want to play the home leg 1st or 2nd.
The league is administered and sanctioned by the EIHA. The team owners meet regularly to discuss league matters under the auspices of the league chairman, and take a democratic vote on all decisions.
Only four of the ten EPIHL teams hail from beyond southern England, namely Manchester Phoenix
, Sheffield Steeldogs
, Telford Tigers
and Peterborough Phantoms
, with five other teams (aside from Swindon Wildcats
) located within 50 miles of London. The capital itself is not represented.
The main restriction placed on the member clubs is a limit of 4 non EIHA trained, EU passport holding 'import' players dressed per game. Further to this, only 3 of these players may be on the ice simultaneously, with certain exceptions. The EU passport requirement is not enforced by the EPIHL per se, rather it is a product of the fact that the UK Border Agency
only grants work permits to non-EU players who wish to sign for teams in the Elite Ice Hockey League
. Despite the 4 imports dressed rule, it is not uncommon for some teams to sign a 5th import as 'backup' in case of injuries to an 'active' import.
The league has no wage limitations, although it is generally accepted that due to the import restriction, wage bills are lower than teams in the EIHL. Despite the lower wages paid, the league still suffers from teams folding, or quitting the league due to financial problems.
On a domestic level, the league is considered to be less physical than the Elite Ice Hockey League
. Restrictions on imported players and the semi-professional background of many British players differentiates the style of play. When games have been played between EPIHL and EIHL sides, invariably the EPIHL side has been soundly defeated, although these games are a very rare occurrence, usually restricted to pre-season friendlies.
A number of EPIHL sides act as official and unofficial 'feeder' clubs to EIHL sides, often through the usage of '2 way' contracts (whereby the player is contracted to one club, but is allowed to ice for another, unless the main contracted club requires them).
The EPIHL in turn is considered to be superior in standard to the English National League, as the teams generally ice more imports (4 as opposed to 1 or 2 at best), and sign up the better ENL British players.
back into EPIHL competition for the 2010-2011 season. This is the first example of a supporters trust being used within the sport of ice hockey in the UK. The Tigers were confirmed as a member of the EPIHL for the 2010-2011 season in the April of 2010.
On the 3rd of March, 2010, a statement was released by the Romford Raiders, stating the intention of their owner to step down at the seasons end, leaving the future of the team in the EPIHL in some doubt. It was widely speculated that the Romford organisation would attempt to secure a spot in the English National League for the 2010-2011 season. This was confirmed on 23 May 2010, when it was announced that the team had been accepted into Division 1 of the English National League Southern Section.
Following this, it was announced during July 2010 that the Sheffield Scimitars
would not be competing in the league, despite having made announcements of player signings, but due to financial problems, and a change in ownership they would be replaced by the newly formed Sheffield Steeldogs
instead.
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
league in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, and is run and administered by the English Ice Hockey Association
English Ice Hockey Association
The English Ice Hockey Association is the governing body responsible for the administration of all ice hockey in England and Wales and was formed in 1982...
. The league currently consists of 10 teams predominantly based in Southern England
Southern England
Southern England, the South and the South of England are imprecise terms used to refer to the southern counties of England bordering the English Midlands. It has a number of different interpretations of its geographic extents. The South is considered by many to be a cultural region with a distinct...
, and is generally considered to be the second tier league below the Elite Ice Hockey League
Elite Ice Hockey League
Several competitions fall under the jurisdiction of the Elite League. In 2006–07, the EIHL ran a total of four competitions: the league, playoffs, Challenge Cup and Knockout Cup. The league consists of a single division, each team playing three home games and three away games against the other...
although there is no promotion or relegation between the two.
The league was founded in 1997, where it initially served as the effective 3rd tier of the game, offering a level of play above the import free English leagues, but below the 8 import British National League
British National League
The British National League is a defunct second-level professional ice hockey league in the United Kingdom. Although no formal promotion and relegation existed during its period of existence, it was considered to have a standard below that of the Ice Hockey Superleague and above that of the...
. Since the 2005–06 season it has functioned as the second tier, as previously the now disbanded British National League
British National League
The British National League is a defunct second-level professional ice hockey league in the United Kingdom. Although no formal promotion and relegation existed during its period of existence, it was considered to have a standard below that of the Ice Hockey Superleague and above that of the...
filled this position; and, in fact, many previous BNL teams now play in the EPIHL.
League structure
The league operates on a 54 game schedule. Each team plays the others in a 3 home, 3 away series. A number of these games also double up as the initial fixtures in the EPIHL Cup tournament. Each team will play 2 games per week during the season, with the exception of a break over the Christmas period. The majority of the games are played on Saturdays and Sundays, reflecting the semi-pro status of many of the leagues players.The Season culminates with the play-offs. 8 teams qualify, and engage in a 2 leg home and away series to decide which 4 teams will attend the Play Off Finals weekend, held in the SkyDome Arena
SkyDome Arena
The SkyDome Arena is a 3,000-seat multi-purpose arena in Coventry, England. It was built in 1999. It is home to the Coventry Blaze Ice hockey team...
Coventry, a neutral venue. The team that finished 1st in the league plays the team the finished 8th. The team that finished 2nd plays the team that finished 7th. The team that finished 3rd plays the team that finished 6th. The team that finished 4th plays the team that finished 5th. 1v8,2v7,3v6,4v5 the higher placed team in the league choses weather two play if they want to play the home leg 1st or 2nd.
The league is administered and sanctioned by the EIHA. The team owners meet regularly to discuss league matters under the auspices of the league chairman, and take a democratic vote on all decisions.
Only four of the ten EPIHL teams hail from beyond southern England, namely Manchester Phoenix
Manchester Phoenix
Manchester Phoenix are a professional ice hockey team from Altrincham, Greater Manchester, England. The club was formed in 2003 as a result of the efforts of supporters group Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey to bring top-level ice hockey back to Manchester after Manchester Storm folded in...
, Sheffield Steeldogs
Sheffield Steeldogs
The Sheffield Steeldogs are a semi professional ice hockey team, based out of the iceSheffield complex in Sheffield, England.The club came into existence during the summer of 2010 as a replacement for the previous tennants of the iceSheffield rink, the Sheffield Scimitars, after the Scimitars were...
, Telford Tigers
Telford Tigers
The Telford Tigers are an English Premier League ice hockey team that formed in 2001 under the name Telford Wild Foxes.A previous Telford Tigers team had existed between 1985 and 1999.- Early history :...
and Peterborough Phantoms
Peterborough Phantoms
The Peterborough Phantoms are a British ice hockey team.The Peterborough Phantoms ice hockey club was founded in 2002. It replaced the former city based team, the Peterborough Pirates, and plays in the same Ice Arena...
, with five other teams (aside from Swindon Wildcats
Swindon Wildcats
The Swindon Wildcats are a professional ice hockey team based in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. They are member of the English Premier Ice Hockey League . Since their inception, the Wildcats have played their home games at the 2800 capacity Link Centre. The club was founded in 1986, as the Swindon...
) located within 50 miles of London. The capital itself is not represented.
Current teams
- Basingstoke BisonBasingstoke BisonThe Basingstoke Bison are an English Ice Hockey club from Basingstoke. They currently compete in the English Premier Ice Hockey League and have previously been members of the Ice Hockey Superleague and its successor the Elite Ice Hockey League- History :...
(2009– ) - Bracknell BeesBracknell BeesThe Bracknell Bees are an ice hockey team from Bracknell, Berkshire, UK.-Early years:The Bracknell Bees were formed in 1987, under the ownership of John Nike OBE. Bees began life in the Heineken League Division Two, under the leadership of former Durham Wasps and Nottingham Panthers forward, Jamie...
(2005– ) - Guildford FlamesGuildford FlamesThe Guildford Flames are an ice hockey team based in Guildford, Surrey and their home ice is the Guildford Spectrum.Founded in October 1992, the team played for many years in the British National League...
(2005– ) - Manchester PhoenixManchester PhoenixManchester Phoenix are a professional ice hockey team from Altrincham, Greater Manchester, England. The club was formed in 2003 as a result of the efforts of supporters group Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey to bring top-level ice hockey back to Manchester after Manchester Storm folded in...
(2009– ) - Milton Keynes LightningMilton Keynes LightningThe Milton Keynes Lightning is an ice hockey team from Milton Keynes, England, currently playing in the semi-professional English Premier Ice Hockey League...
(2002– ) - Peterborough PhantomsPeterborough PhantomsThe Peterborough Phantoms are a British ice hockey team.The Peterborough Phantoms ice hockey club was founded in 2002. It replaced the former city based team, the Peterborough Pirates, and plays in the same Ice Arena...
(2002– ) - Sheffield SteeldogsSheffield SteeldogsThe Sheffield Steeldogs are a semi professional ice hockey team, based out of the iceSheffield complex in Sheffield, England.The club came into existence during the summer of 2010 as a replacement for the previous tennants of the iceSheffield rink, the Sheffield Scimitars, after the Scimitars were...
(2010– ) - Slough JetsSlough JetsSlough Jets are an ice hockey team from Slough, Berkshire, England. They are the current English Premier Ice Hockey League Cup champions for the 2010–11 season. The team was founded in 1986 after the construction of the Slough Ice Arena in Montem Lane in Slough. With the help of Gary Stefan who...
(2005– ) - Swindon WildcatsSwindon WildcatsThe Swindon Wildcats are a professional ice hockey team based in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. They are member of the English Premier Ice Hockey League . Since their inception, the Wildcats have played their home games at the 2800 capacity Link Centre. The club was founded in 1986, as the Swindon...
(2005– ) - Telford TigersTelford TigersThe Telford Tigers are an English Premier League ice hockey team that formed in 2001 under the name Telford Wild Foxes.A previous Telford Tigers team had existed between 1985 and 1999.- Early history :...
(2005–2009, 2010-)
League restrictions
The league operates under a number of restrictions, allowing it to classify itself as a 'developmental league'.The main restriction placed on the member clubs is a limit of 4 non EIHA trained, EU passport holding 'import' players dressed per game. Further to this, only 3 of these players may be on the ice simultaneously, with certain exceptions. The EU passport requirement is not enforced by the EPIHL per se, rather it is a product of the fact that the UK Border Agency
UK Border Agency
The UK Border Agency is the border control body of the United Kingdom government and part of the Home Office. It was formed on 1 April 2008 by a merger of the Border and Immigration Agency , UKvisas and the Detection functions of HM Revenue and Customs...
only grants work permits to non-EU players who wish to sign for teams in the Elite Ice Hockey League
Elite Ice Hockey League
Several competitions fall under the jurisdiction of the Elite League. In 2006–07, the EIHL ran a total of four competitions: the league, playoffs, Challenge Cup and Knockout Cup. The league consists of a single division, each team playing three home games and three away games against the other...
. Despite the 4 imports dressed rule, it is not uncommon for some teams to sign a 5th import as 'backup' in case of injuries to an 'active' import.
The league has no wage limitations, although it is generally accepted that due to the import restriction, wage bills are lower than teams in the EIHL. Despite the lower wages paid, the league still suffers from teams folding, or quitting the league due to financial problems.
Comparison to other leagues
The EPIHL is played at a standard significantly below all of the major European leagues.On a domestic level, the league is considered to be less physical than the Elite Ice Hockey League
Elite Ice Hockey League
Several competitions fall under the jurisdiction of the Elite League. In 2006–07, the EIHL ran a total of four competitions: the league, playoffs, Challenge Cup and Knockout Cup. The league consists of a single division, each team playing three home games and three away games against the other...
. Restrictions on imported players and the semi-professional background of many British players differentiates the style of play. When games have been played between EPIHL and EIHL sides, invariably the EPIHL side has been soundly defeated, although these games are a very rare occurrence, usually restricted to pre-season friendlies.
A number of EPIHL sides act as official and unofficial 'feeder' clubs to EIHL sides, often through the usage of '2 way' contracts (whereby the player is contracted to one club, but is allowed to ice for another, unless the main contracted club requires them).
The EPIHL in turn is considered to be superior in standard to the English National League, as the teams generally ice more imports (4 as opposed to 1 or 2 at best), and sign up the better ENL British players.
League Future
During February 2010, it was announced that a supporters trust, called 'Tiger Tracks', had been formed with the intention of bringing the Telford TigersTelford Tigers
The Telford Tigers are an English Premier League ice hockey team that formed in 2001 under the name Telford Wild Foxes.A previous Telford Tigers team had existed between 1985 and 1999.- Early history :...
back into EPIHL competition for the 2010-2011 season. This is the first example of a supporters trust being used within the sport of ice hockey in the UK. The Tigers were confirmed as a member of the EPIHL for the 2010-2011 season in the April of 2010.
On the 3rd of March, 2010, a statement was released by the Romford Raiders, stating the intention of their owner to step down at the seasons end, leaving the future of the team in the EPIHL in some doubt. It was widely speculated that the Romford organisation would attempt to secure a spot in the English National League for the 2010-2011 season. This was confirmed on 23 May 2010, when it was announced that the team had been accepted into Division 1 of the English National League Southern Section.
Following this, it was announced during July 2010 that the Sheffield Scimitars
Sheffield Scimitars
Sheffield Scimitars formed in 2002 and initially played at the small 500 capacity Sheffield Ice Sports Centre playing in the ENIHL. Since then the team moved to the iceSheffield complex, where they became successful in the ENIHL and made the stepup to the EPL in 2005–06...
would not be competing in the league, despite having made announcements of player signings, but due to financial problems, and a change in ownership they would be replaced by the newly formed Sheffield Steeldogs
Sheffield Steeldogs
The Sheffield Steeldogs are a semi professional ice hockey team, based out of the iceSheffield complex in Sheffield, England.The club came into existence during the summer of 2010 as a replacement for the previous tennants of the iceSheffield rink, the Sheffield Scimitars, after the Scimitars were...
instead.
Venue capacity
- Bracknell BeesBracknell BeesThe Bracknell Bees are an ice hockey team from Bracknell, Berkshire, UK.-Early years:The Bracknell Bees were formed in 1987, under the ownership of John Nike OBE. Bees began life in the Heineken League Division Two, under the leadership of former Durham Wasps and Nottingham Panthers forward, Jamie...
: John Nike Leisuresport Complex, 2400 - Guildford FlamesGuildford FlamesThe Guildford Flames are an ice hockey team based in Guildford, Surrey and their home ice is the Guildford Spectrum.Founded in October 1992, the team played for many years in the British National League...
: Guildford SpectrumGuildford SpectrumGuildford Spectrum is a leisure complex in Guildford, Surrey, England. Owned by Guildford Borough Council, it was opened on 28 February 1993 at a cost of £28 million. It is the home of ice hockey team the Guildford Flames, and other sports clubs...
, 2200 - Milton Keynes LightningMilton Keynes LightningThe Milton Keynes Lightning is an ice hockey team from Milton Keynes, England, currently playing in the semi-professional English Premier Ice Hockey League...
: Planet Ice Milton KeynesPlanet Ice Milton KeynesPlanet Ice Milton Keynes is a 2,200-capacity multi-purpose ice rink/hockey rink in Milton Keynes, England, near the Central station. It was built in 1991 . It is one of several ice skating arenas in the UK operated by the Planet Ice Arenas company...
, 2200 - Manchester PhoenixManchester PhoenixManchester Phoenix are a professional ice hockey team from Altrincham, Greater Manchester, England. The club was formed in 2003 as a result of the efforts of supporters group Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey to bring top-level ice hockey back to Manchester after Manchester Storm folded in...
: Altrincham Ice DomeAltrincham Ice DomeAltrincham Ice Dome is an ice rink in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, England. It has 2,000 seats according to the rink website, and up to 500 standing places. despite this, the building has a capacity capped at 2,000 for ice hockey as standing around the plexi glass is not allowed in the...
, 2150 - Basingstoke BisonBasingstoke BisonThe Basingstoke Bison are an English Ice Hockey club from Basingstoke. They currently compete in the English Premier Ice Hockey League and have previously been members of the Ice Hockey Superleague and its successor the Elite Ice Hockey League- History :...
: Planet Ice Silverdome Arena, 1800 - Sheffield SteeldogsSheffield SteeldogsThe Sheffield Steeldogs are a semi professional ice hockey team, based out of the iceSheffield complex in Sheffield, England.The club came into existence during the summer of 2010 as a replacement for the previous tennants of the iceSheffield rink, the Sheffield Scimitars, after the Scimitars were...
: iceSheffieldIceSheffieldIceSheffield is an ice arena in the Lower Don Valley, Sheffield, England. It was completed in May 2003 at a cost of £15 million. It consists of two Olympic-size ice rinks with seating for 1,500 people...
, 1500 - Telford TigersTelford TigersThe Telford Tigers are an English Premier League ice hockey team that formed in 2001 under the name Telford Wild Foxes.A previous Telford Tigers team had existed between 1985 and 1999.- Early history :...
: Telford Ice Rink, 1500 - Swindon WildcatsSwindon WildcatsThe Swindon Wildcats are a professional ice hockey team based in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. They are member of the English Premier Ice Hockey League . Since their inception, the Wildcats have played their home games at the 2800 capacity Link Centre. The club was founded in 1986, as the Swindon...
: Link CentreLink CentreThe Link Centre is a leisure centre in Swindon, England. The building was designed to be as energy efficient as possible with heat generated by the ice rink refrigeration system being used to warm its internal areas. Swindon Wildcats, an English Premier Ice Hockey League team, use the ice rink and...
, 1250 - Peterborough PhantomsPeterborough PhantomsThe Peterborough Phantoms are a British ice hockey team.The Peterborough Phantoms ice hockey club was founded in 2002. It replaced the former city based team, the Peterborough Pirates, and plays in the same Ice Arena...
: Planet Ice Peterborough, 1250 - Slough JetsSlough JetsSlough Jets are an ice hockey team from Slough, Berkshire, England. They are the current English Premier Ice Hockey League Cup champions for the 2010–11 season. The team was founded in 1986 after the construction of the Slough Ice Arena in Montem Lane in Slough. With the help of Gary Stefan who...
: Slough Ice Rink, 1000
Previous teams
- Billingham Eagles (1997–1998)
- Blackburn HawksBlackburn HawksThe Blackburn Hawks , are a British ice hockey team based in Blackburn, Lancashire. They are currently members of the ENIHL, and have previously played in the British National League and the English League Premier Division...
(1998–1999) - Chelmsford ChieftainsChelmsford ChieftainsThe Chelmsford Chieftains are an Ice Hockey team based in Chelmsford, Essex that are currently playing in the English National Ice Hockey League. Since the team was founded in 1987, the Chieftains have played their home games at the Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre.Chelmsford played their first...
(1998–2001, and 2002–2008) - England u20-u18 (2000–2003)
- Haringey GreyhoundsHaringey GreyhoundsThe Haringey Greyhounds are a British ice hockey club based in Harringay, England.The team was founded in 1990, as the second team at Alexandra Palace, the first being Haringey Racers. In 1992, Racers collapsed, leaving Greyhounds as the rink's first team. They entered the English Conference and...
(2000–2003) - Hull StingraysHull StingraysHull Stingrays are a British ice hockey club from Kingston upon Hull. They were formed in 2003 and play their home games at Hull Arena.The Stingrays replaced previous clubs Hull Thunder 1999–2002, Kingston Hawks 1996–1998, Humberside Hawks 1993–1995, and Humberside Seahawks 1988–1992...
(2005–2006) - Hull ThunderHull ThunderThe Hull Thunder were a British ice hockey club from Kingston upon Hull, England. Formed in 1999, they competed in the now defunct British National League playing their home games at Humberside Ice Arena ....
(1997–2003) - Invicta DynamosInvicta DynamosInvicta Dynamos are the senior ice hockey team based in Gillingham in Kent.-History:The club was founded in 1997 replacing the Medway Bears as the senior team based at the Ice Bowl. The club originally competed in the EPIHL until the 2003/4 season when the club dropped down to the ENIHL due to a...
(1997–2003) - Milton Keynes KingsMilton Keynes KingsMilton Keynes Kings were an Ice Hockey team based in Milton Keynes from 1990 to 1996 and from 1998 to 2002. Following a dispute with the Planet Ice Arena in Milton Keynes, the team relocated to Solihull, where they became Solihull MK Kings for a while...
(1998–1999) - Nottingham LionsNottingham LionsThe Nottingham Lions are an ice hockey team from Nottingham, England that compete in the English National League's northern section. The Lions are the senior team of the Nottingham Ice Hockey Club and one of two senior teams based in Nottingham, the other being the professional Nottingham Panthers...
(2000–2003) - Oxford City StarsOxford City StarsThe Oxford City Stars are an ice hockey team based in Oxford, England. They currently play in the English National League, South. A second team was formed in the summer of 2010 and they compete in the English National League South Division 2.-1984-1999:...
(1998–1999) - Romford RaidersRomford RaidersThe Romford Raiders are an ice hockey team based at the 1,500 seat Romford Ice Arena in Romford, Havering, east London. They were founder members of the EPIHL but now compete in the ENIHL. Their development team was the Romford Spitfires who played in Division 2 of the ENIHL before being succeeded...
(1998–2010) - Sheffield ScimitarsSheffield ScimitarsSheffield Scimitars formed in 2002 and initially played at the small 500 capacity Sheffield Ice Sports Centre playing in the ENIHL. Since then the team moved to the iceSheffield complex, where they became successful in the ENIHL and made the stepup to the EPL in 2005–06...
(2005–2010 ) - Solihull BaronsSolihull BaronsSolihull Barons are an English ice hockey team from the town of Solihull who play at Solihull Ice Rink on Hobbs Moat Road. They were formed in 2005, although they are named after the team of the same name who played at the same ice rink between 1972 and 1996...
(1997–1999, 2000–2002, and 2003–2007) - Sunderland Chiefs (1997–1998)
- Telford TigersTelford TigersThe Telford Tigers are an English Premier League ice hockey team that formed in 2001 under the name Telford Wild Foxes.A previous Telford Tigers team had existed between 1985 and 1999.- Early history :...
(2002–2009) - Whitley Bay WarriorsWhitley Bay WarriorsWhitley Warriors are an ice hockey team based in Whitley Bay in the north east of England. Founded in 1955 as the Bees, they changed their name to the Braves and then finally the Warriors. They currently play in the English National Hockey League...
(1997–1998) - Wightlink RaidersWightlink RaidersThe Wightlink Raiders are an ice hockey team based in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, England. They are sponsored by Wightlink and play in the third-tier English National Ice Hockey League...
(1997–2009)
League Champions
- 1997–98 Solihull BaronsSolihull BaronsSolihull Barons are an English ice hockey team from the town of Solihull who play at Solihull Ice Rink on Hobbs Moat Road. They were formed in 2005, although they are named after the team of the same name who played at the same ice rink between 1972 and 1996...
- 1998–99 Solihull BaronsSolihull BaronsSolihull Barons are an English ice hockey team from the town of Solihull who play at Solihull Ice Rink on Hobbs Moat Road. They were formed in 2005, although they are named after the team of the same name who played at the same ice rink between 1972 and 1996...
- 1999–00 Chelmsford ChieftainsChelmsford ChieftainsThe Chelmsford Chieftains are an Ice Hockey team based in Chelmsford, Essex that are currently playing in the English National Ice Hockey League. Since the team was founded in 1987, the Chieftains have played their home games at the Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre.Chelmsford played their first...
- 2000–01 Swindon WildcatsSwindon WildcatsThe Swindon Wildcats are a professional ice hockey team based in Swindon, Wiltshire, England. They are member of the English Premier Ice Hockey League . Since their inception, the Wildcats have played their home games at the 2800 capacity Link Centre. The club was founded in 1986, as the Swindon...
- 2001–02 Invicta DynamosInvicta DynamosInvicta Dynamos are the senior ice hockey team based in Gillingham in Kent.-History:The club was founded in 1997 replacing the Medway Bears as the senior team based at the Ice Bowl. The club originally competed in the EPIHL until the 2003/4 season when the club dropped down to the ENIHL due to a...
- 2002–03 Peterborough PhantomsPeterborough PhantomsThe Peterborough Phantoms are a British ice hockey team.The Peterborough Phantoms ice hockey club was founded in 2002. It replaced the former city based team, the Peterborough Pirates, and plays in the same Ice Arena...
- 2003–04 Milton Keynes LightningMilton Keynes LightningThe Milton Keynes Lightning is an ice hockey team from Milton Keynes, England, currently playing in the semi-professional English Premier Ice Hockey League...
- 2004–05 Milton Keynes LightningMilton Keynes LightningThe Milton Keynes Lightning is an ice hockey team from Milton Keynes, England, currently playing in the semi-professional English Premier Ice Hockey League...
- 2005–06 Guildford FlamesGuildford FlamesThe Guildford Flames are an ice hockey team based in Guildford, Surrey and their home ice is the Guildford Spectrum.Founded in October 1992, the team played for many years in the British National League...
- 2006–07 Bracknell BeesBracknell BeesThe Bracknell Bees are an ice hockey team from Bracknell, Berkshire, UK.-Early years:The Bracknell Bees were formed in 1987, under the ownership of John Nike OBE. Bees began life in the Heineken League Division Two, under the leadership of former Durham Wasps and Nottingham Panthers forward, Jamie...
- 2007–08 Guildford FlamesGuildford FlamesThe Guildford Flames are an ice hockey team based in Guildford, Surrey and their home ice is the Guildford Spectrum.Founded in October 1992, the team played for many years in the British National League...
- 2008–09 Peterborough PhantomsPeterborough PhantomsThe Peterborough Phantoms are a British ice hockey team.The Peterborough Phantoms ice hockey club was founded in 2002. It replaced the former city based team, the Peterborough Pirates, and plays in the same Ice Arena...
- 2009–10 Milton Keynes LightningMilton Keynes LightningThe Milton Keynes Lightning is an ice hockey team from Milton Keynes, England, currently playing in the semi-professional English Premier Ice Hockey League...
- 2010–11 Manchester PhoenixManchester PhoenixManchester Phoenix are a professional ice hockey team from Altrincham, Greater Manchester, England. The club was formed in 2003 as a result of the efforts of supporters group Friends of Manchester Ice Hockey to bring top-level ice hockey back to Manchester after Manchester Storm folded in...
Playoff champions
- 1997–98 Solihull BaronsSolihull BaronsSolihull Barons are an English ice hockey team from the town of Solihull who play at Solihull Ice Rink on Hobbs Moat Road. They were formed in 2005, although they are named after the team of the same name who played at the same ice rink between 1972 and 1996...
- 1998–99 Solihull BaronsSolihull BaronsSolihull Barons are an English ice hockey team from the town of Solihull who play at Solihull Ice Rink on Hobbs Moat Road. They were formed in 2005, although they are named after the team of the same name who played at the same ice rink between 1972 and 1996...
- 1999–00 Chelmsford ChieftainsChelmsford ChieftainsThe Chelmsford Chieftains are an Ice Hockey team based in Chelmsford, Essex that are currently playing in the English National Ice Hockey League. Since the team was founded in 1987, the Chieftains have played their home games at the Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre.Chelmsford played their first...
- 2000–01 Romford RaidersRomford RaidersThe Romford Raiders are an ice hockey team based at the 1,500 seat Romford Ice Arena in Romford, Havering, east London. They were founder members of the EPIHL but now compete in the ENIHL. Their development team was the Romford Spitfires who played in Division 2 of the ENIHL before being succeeded...
- 2001–02 Invicta DynamosInvicta DynamosInvicta Dynamos are the senior ice hockey team based in Gillingham in Kent.-History:The club was founded in 1997 replacing the Medway Bears as the senior team based at the Ice Bowl. The club originally competed in the EPIHL until the 2003/4 season when the club dropped down to the ENIHL due to a...
- 2002–03 Milton Keynes LightningMilton Keynes LightningThe Milton Keynes Lightning is an ice hockey team from Milton Keynes, England, currently playing in the semi-professional English Premier Ice Hockey League...
- 2003–04 Milton Keynes LightningMilton Keynes LightningThe Milton Keynes Lightning is an ice hockey team from Milton Keynes, England, currently playing in the semi-professional English Premier Ice Hockey League...
- 2004–05 Milton Keynes LightningMilton Keynes LightningThe Milton Keynes Lightning is an ice hockey team from Milton Keynes, England, currently playing in the semi-professional English Premier Ice Hockey League...
- 2005–06 Milton Keynes LightningMilton Keynes LightningThe Milton Keynes Lightning is an ice hockey team from Milton Keynes, England, currently playing in the semi-professional English Premier Ice Hockey League...
- 2006–07 Bracknell BeesBracknell BeesThe Bracknell Bees are an ice hockey team from Bracknell, Berkshire, UK.-Early years:The Bracknell Bees were formed in 1987, under the ownership of John Nike OBE. Bees began life in the Heineken League Division Two, under the leadership of former Durham Wasps and Nottingham Panthers forward, Jamie...
- 2007–08 Slough JetsSlough JetsSlough Jets are an ice hockey team from Slough, Berkshire, England. They are the current English Premier Ice Hockey League Cup champions for the 2010–11 season. The team was founded in 1986 after the construction of the Slough Ice Arena in Montem Lane in Slough. With the help of Gary Stefan who...
- 2008–09 Peterborough PhantomsPeterborough PhantomsThe Peterborough Phantoms are a British ice hockey team.The Peterborough Phantoms ice hockey club was founded in 2002. It replaced the former city based team, the Peterborough Pirates, and plays in the same Ice Arena...
- 2009–10 Slough JetsSlough JetsSlough Jets are an ice hockey team from Slough, Berkshire, England. They are the current English Premier Ice Hockey League Cup champions for the 2010–11 season. The team was founded in 1986 after the construction of the Slough Ice Arena in Montem Lane in Slough. With the help of Gary Stefan who...
- 2010–11 Guildford FlamesGuildford FlamesThe Guildford Flames are an ice hockey team based in Guildford, Surrey and their home ice is the Guildford Spectrum.Founded in October 1992, the team played for many years in the British National League...
English Cup champions
- 1997–98 No Cup Competition
- 1998–99 Milton Keynes KingsMilton Keynes KingsMilton Keynes Kings were an Ice Hockey team based in Milton Keynes from 1990 to 1996 and from 1998 to 2002. Following a dispute with the Planet Ice Arena in Milton Keynes, the team relocated to Solihull, where they became Solihull MK Kings for a while...
- 1999–00 No Cup Competition
- 2000–01 No Cup Competition
- 2001–02 Romford RaidersRomford RaidersThe Romford Raiders are an ice hockey team based at the 1,500 seat Romford Ice Arena in Romford, Havering, east London. They were founder members of the EPIHL but now compete in the ENIHL. Their development team was the Romford Spitfires who played in Division 2 of the ENIHL before being succeeded...
- 2002–03 Wightlink RaidersWightlink RaidersThe Wightlink Raiders are an ice hockey team based in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, England. They are sponsored by Wightlink and play in the third-tier English National Ice Hockey League...
- 2003–04 Peterborough PhantomsPeterborough PhantomsThe Peterborough Phantoms are a British ice hockey team.The Peterborough Phantoms ice hockey club was founded in 2002. It replaced the former city based team, the Peterborough Pirates, and plays in the same Ice Arena...
- 2004–05 Romford RaidersRomford RaidersThe Romford Raiders are an ice hockey team based at the 1,500 seat Romford Ice Arena in Romford, Havering, east London. They were founder members of the EPIHL but now compete in the ENIHL. Their development team was the Romford Spitfires who played in Division 2 of the ENIHL before being succeeded...
- 2005–06 Bracknell BeesBracknell BeesThe Bracknell Bees are an ice hockey team from Bracknell, Berkshire, UK.-Early years:The Bracknell Bees were formed in 1987, under the ownership of John Nike OBE. Bees began life in the Heineken League Division Two, under the leadership of former Durham Wasps and Nottingham Panthers forward, Jamie...
- 2006–07 Guildford FlamesGuildford FlamesThe Guildford Flames are an ice hockey team based in Guildford, Surrey and their home ice is the Guildford Spectrum.Founded in October 1992, the team played for many years in the British National League...
- 2007–08 Bracknell BeesBracknell BeesThe Bracknell Bees are an ice hockey team from Bracknell, Berkshire, UK.-Early years:The Bracknell Bees were formed in 1987, under the ownership of John Nike OBE. Bees began life in the Heineken League Division Two, under the leadership of former Durham Wasps and Nottingham Panthers forward, Jamie...
- 2008–09 Peterborough PhantomsPeterborough PhantomsThe Peterborough Phantoms are a British ice hockey team.The Peterborough Phantoms ice hockey club was founded in 2002. It replaced the former city based team, the Peterborough Pirates, and plays in the same Ice Arena...
- 2009–10 Guildford FlamesGuildford FlamesThe Guildford Flames are an ice hockey team based in Guildford, Surrey and their home ice is the Guildford Spectrum.Founded in October 1992, the team played for many years in the British National League...
- 2010–11 Slough JetsSlough JetsSlough Jets are an ice hockey team from Slough, Berkshire, England. They are the current English Premier Ice Hockey League Cup champions for the 2010–11 season. The team was founded in 1986 after the construction of the Slough Ice Arena in Montem Lane in Slough. With the help of Gary Stefan who...