The ten member teams of the Elite Ice Hockey League have outlined a potential start date to the new season with the Magic 5 Weekend of December 5^th and 6^th proposed as an earliest possibility.

This would mean a delayed start to the usual campaign with the regular season ending in May with the Playoffs weekend in Nottingham proposed for the 15^th/16^th May 2021.

EIHL Chairman Tony Smith stated “There are two factors that we need to consider with any return to play plan: 1) We need 6 to 8 weeks from the time we know we can play in order to complete our teams, get work visas in place, book flights, buy equipment, etc.; 2) we need our fans. We cannot play behind closed doors or with very limited capacity, it just isn’t an option.”

“All ten teams are committed to playing the 2020/21 season, although a final decision on being able to resume top-flight ice hockey games in December with crowds will be led by the guidance from the UK Government and devolved administrations.”

Should the EIHL get the go ahead from the government to return to action they are hopeful that friendly matches can be played in November with Nottingham Panthers hopeful of returning to action before the year is out.

*Main image @RataSports all going well the Motorpoint Arena will host next seasons playoff weekend in May.