League issues denial over Telford Tigers name change
Ice hockey bosses have denied claims they are forcing Telford Tigers to change their name.
Telford Tigers had been playing in the now defunct English Premier League but were seeking to move to the NIHL North League as part of a restructure of the English game.
The consortium which saved Tigers midway through last season stepped down on Sunday night.
Telford NIHL, who had already been operating in the NIHL North, will now effectively be the first team with a new second team playing in Division Two.
A league spokesman told the Shropshire Star: “There has been no request or demand from EIHA or the NIHL to stop using the Tigers name.
“The Telford NIHL club representatives issued their own statement yesterday.”
Although Telford NIHL and Telford Tigers were linked, they were separate identities.
Former Tigers chairman Mike Washburn runs the NIHL side but they could still be called Tigers if the transferring of naming rights can be agreed.
Tom Watkins, who coached Tigers to the English Premier League title last season before they were beaten in the play-off final, has agreed to be part of the coaching set-up.
A fans’ forum will take place at the Telford Ice Rick bar tonight from 7-9pm to clarify the situation an discuss concerns.
