The news that the seven remaining PIHL clubs have been advised by the EIHA to apply to join the NIHL has sparked plenty of debate across forums and social media.
Both Swindon Wildcats and Hull Pirates have since confirmed they will be applying to join NIHL1 for the 2017/18 season, with further announcements expected in due course.
Our latest Twitter Talk feature takes a look at the reaction to the latest developments in the British game:
RINK MOLE COLUMN – Premier Ice Hockey League a non-starter?
https://t.co/wiXCuodoh9 #EPIHL #BIHL pic.twitter.com/QyU0JRJtPa— British Ice Hockey (@BritIceHockey) April 18, 2017
Following the Rink Mole article earlier today, @SwinWildcats confirm they’ll be applying to join NIHL.https://t.co/SdT5JkUllU https://t.co/0XrkVAFZmC
— British Ice Hockey (@BritIceHockey) April 18, 2017
When the EPL needed strong leadership it got nothing. Too many people just standing by watching this happen. @BritIceHockey https://t.co/6rpDuyUiqN
— Vito tweeto Rausa (@RausaV) April 18, 2017
Sit tight people….the ride is about to begin AGAIN in British ice hockey #10yearcycle pic.twitter.com/oSLCskd9H5
— Euan King (@Kinger_92) April 18, 2017
Awful news on the second tier of British ice hockey today. If NIHL really is the second tier we, as a sport, are in trouble
— Mark Denholm (@markdenholm) April 18, 2017
When you get asked about the state of British Ice Hockey! pic.twitter.com/Ai8qVulmGx
— Phil Perry (@the_Filster) April 18, 2017
Just sat watching the crazy merry go round that is British ice hockey! #circus #everyyear pic.twitter.com/MoMCVVh6oW
— Lee Haywood (@Leehaywood5) April 18, 2017
Don’t envy the NIHL owners and EIHA. Absorbing teams with far higher budgets/resources rarely works well. Someone is going to get screwed.
— David Carr (@carrsy2) April 18, 2017
Another one. Moley will be pleased with him/herself.https://t.co/SdT5JkUllU https://t.co/8zqgYQLptN
— British Ice Hockey (@BritIceHockey) April 18, 2017
So looking more and more likely that the EPL is done, where does @BritIceHockey go from here? Anybody got a plan???
— Simon Butterworth (@SiButterworth4) April 18, 2017
@abjekt @carrsy2 @84arussell I suspect everyone is going to be in pain for a while. EPL clubs will have to downsize, NIHL1 clubs may struggle to compete or go down
— 482 Days (@482days) April 18, 2017
Oxford City Stars are in talks with mgmt committee for NIHL(S) & are discussing the future of the league following @SwinWildcats statement.
— Oxford City Stars (@OxfordCityStars) April 18, 2017
NiHL North will be tricky next year… 👀
— Sykesy (@ChrisSykess15) April 18, 2017
Application to Nihl might be just to cover bases ! If teams drop from.elite the EPL might still be alive ?!
Lots more twists and turns ahead— Dave CES Fielder (@ces12fielder) April 18, 2017
Why should the NIHL suffer because EPL teams have over spent and not had a sustainable league. #redhockey
— Jeremy Cornish (@jeremycornish11) April 18, 2017
The time for silence must end#BOTW pic.twitter.com/PdPH9BPN1u
— Banners On The Wall (@BannersOTW) April 18, 2017
Could British ice hockey please get through one off season without some form of cataclysm!
— 2 for flinching (@CBealphotog) April 18, 2017
The NIHL, like it or not will become the 2nd tier of British Hockey next season. Massive disruption to planning and calm strategies
— James Schall Stars (@JSOxCityStars) April 18, 2017
A gap from EIHL to NIHL is crazy, there has to be a 2nd tier level for British hockey https://t.co/XKpJeFOgb2
— Katy (@katykoo12000) April 18, 2017
(Image permission: Steve Bird)
