It’s been a quiet start to the summer rumour mill, but Rink Mole has been busy digging away in search of the juiciest gossip.

With MK Lightning and Guildford Flames off to the Elite League next season, the newly-named Premier Ice Hockey League could be dead in the water before it even gets off the ground.

Rink Mole can reveal that none of the current NIHL teams are interested in joining a three import, second tier league.

With the EIHA concerned over the financial sustainability of the PIHL, the seven remaining clubs have been advised to request entry into the two import NIHL.

Telford, Sheffield, and Hull have been told to apply for the Northern section, with Basingstoke, Peterborough, Swindon and Bracknell pointed towards the Southern league.

(Image permission: Steve Bird)