EIHL Fans Forum

[Stuart Coles]

[Deleted]

Bit worrying that the stance on the Brits seems to be "we're not a development league". While true, surely they realise the importance of a good foundation and platform for young Brits to be inspired and receive training.

[Frenchie]

I agree completely. The fact that they have explicitly said that they invested in imports, at the expense of British players, is seriously hurting Great Britain now.

I don't know about you, but in every other league in the world, domestic born players are top line players in their top domestic league. Even in the DEL you'll see German players on top lines. Why can't we do that here? A few years ago Dowd was a top line player, now he's on the 2nd line at most with 2nd PP minutes. How do we expect to score goals in Division 1B when there are so few British players who actually play top line and offensive minutes.

[Deleted]

I suspect Team GB will look at dual nationalities now to fill the gaps. 

Seems to me the best chance Brits have now is to leave the country and train elsewhere. 

[hannah]

How do you ascertain the price elasticity for skill though? Would you risk a fragile (at best) business model for the greater good? Dropping the current skill level of the league to develop more British players, which would happen for those with smaller budgets, without a dramatic reduction in price (which teams can't afford) could send a number of teams in the league under.

Its worth noting that the top Brits also don't necessarily play in the EIHL, it suits some of them to play in the EPL which is a development league.

A rise or drop in import levels isn't going to fix the British team overnight and its short-sighted to think so. A long term, sustainable plan involving all levels of development from junior to elite league is the only way to accomplish something meaningful.

[Deleted]

I think many would agree there. There does need to be a balance, the issue I have is its heading the wrong way in the EIHL. I think somewhere around 7 imports would be decent, which basically puts the EPL in a better light for Brits for now.

[hannah]

I'm not convinced there's an ideal number for imports. Leagues will find their level naturally, the problem is that British ice hockey has done that repeatedly and the lessons are never learned. I don't think it's even debatable until all leagues and IHUK are agreed on a development plan.

I do think there are other ways to improve the British team, such as increased practice time together, organising higher level training etc. It may not be the same as ice time in a game but look at the EIHL awards for this season; Cardiff dominated and didn't win a trophy. Better players won't automatically mean success, it is a team sport after all.

[Bourbonmuncher]

I rather like that Tony Smith said London could be a way off but Neil Black is keeping them informed, and the next day Black is saying it could be 2017/18.

Was surprised that no-one questioned the conference system more closely.