Elite League’s season-opening weekend will go ahead with two-minute silence

The opening weekend of play in the Elite League will continue as planned after the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

In a statement released on social media, a spokesperson for the division wrote: “Everyone connected with the Elite League was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

“Following a meeting of the Elite League Board on Friday morning, and following current guidance, the league’s ten member teams have agreed to proceed with the season-opening games as planned, beginning tonight in Glasgow [for the Clan’s Challenge Cup fixture versus the Fife Flyers].

“As a mark of respect, all games this weekend will be preceded by a two-minute silence followed by the playing of the national anthem.”

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Champions Hockey League Continues After Queen Elizabeth’s Death

Play will also continue in the Champions Hockey League, with the Belfast Giants set to fulfil their fixtures versus HC Davos and Oceláři Třinec.

Adam Keefe’s side are currently in Switzerland and will take to the ice against Davos this evening. The champions of the Elite League will then host Třinec at the SSE Arena on Sunday [11 September] afternoon.

In a statement released on social media, the Giants wrote: “We are consulting with the CHL for a suitable mark of respect and will update on our plans in due course. Our thoughts continue to be with our fans and the broader hockey family across the Elite League that mourn the Queen’s loss.”