July 2, 2022

The English Ice Hockey Association (EIHA) are seeking expressions of interest from U16 and U18 teams to participate in a new Junior National League (JNL) competition, for both age groups, in the 2022/23 season. This new league competition will be in addition to the current regional leagues and teams involved will be expected to participate in both the regional and national league competitions.

To be eligible to participate, clubs will be required to have 15 players + one netminder registered in the relevant age group and will also have to provide evidence that they can meet the financial commitment required.

The EIHA recognise that playing in the Junior National League (JNL) will be an additional cost to the teams involved and so, for the first season, the EIHA will pay the costs associated with game officials. Additionally, the EIHA recognise that U18 and U16 players may have exam commitments, so the JNL will not schedule games during exam periods.

The logistics of the league will be agreed by the teams that are accepted to play in the JNL, as well as the Junior Management Committee, and it is anticipated that the league will involve six teams (ideally three from the south and three from the north) playing each other once at home and once away, with each game being 3 x 20-minute periods.

Speaking about the creation of the JNL, EIHA Director Matt Lloyd said: “If we are serious about providing a full pathway of development, we need to maximise meaningful opportunities for teams to play games at the most competitive level within a league structure.

“It is intended that by creating JNLs for U16 and U18 players in addition to the current leagues, Showcase and England structures we can increase the opportunities for young players to play competitive games.”

If any club would like an informal chat about the JNL, or to submit an expression of interest, they should contact Matt Lloyd (matt.lloyd@nulleiha.co.uk)