Telford Tigers to return to ice in autumn

Following the conclusion of the Spring Cup, where Telford finished second to winners Sheffield Steeldogs, the five clubs that took part decided it was not possible to continue playing into April and May.

Now, attentions have turned to the 2021/22 season as the clubs and league have decided on a September return.

In a statement issued by the NIHL, they also confirmed that a wage cap had been ‘agreed in principle’.

The statement read: “This is a great moment as we start to move on from survival mode into taking the steps back towards more normality in our game.

“To the owners, it feels like co-operation and communication between us has never been higher, and this has allowed us to make meaningful progress on the key activities not only to bring our game back, but also to look at sustainability and the long term future of our sport.

“In that focus on sustainability, we have agreed in principle a wage cap which will set the foundations for our long term future whilst building on the exciting on-ice action we saw in our last full season.

“Implementing a wage cap helps clubs with budgeting and forecasting, which is a particularly difficult task given the COVID impact on the entertainment industry and uncertainty of how people will want to watch the game when it returns.

“For now, stay safe, follow government guidance, and keep up the tremendous support you’re all showing your clubs and the sport. We’re doing everything we can, and for the first time in a long time, it feels like we’re on our way back. We will continue to update fans throughout the summer period.”