Ice Hockey: Dark days ahead for Caps as Neil issues warning

Published on Tuesday 19 January 2010 09:31

EDINBURGH CAPITALS owner Scott Neil has issued another grim warning to fans about the Elite League club's financial position.

And he hinted that further roster cuts could be on the cards as the Murrayfield men seek to continue playing in Britain's top ice hockey league.

Neil, in an article in the club's programme for Sunday's home defeat by Belfast Giants, said: "We still have some roster decisions to make but the financial position of the club has not improved at all."

The statement followed one seven days previously in which Neil spoke about the harsh reality facing the club and his failure to attract new sponsorship.

And the latest plea came on the night that Capitals were hammered 9-0 at Murrayfield by Belfast Giants.

Neil added: "We are failing to get more people through the door each week and that is hurting us. We would like to be in a position to strengthen the roster before the signing deadline at the end of January.

"But the reality is that with our current gates we are more than likely going to have to look at starting to cut costs and additional players could be very unlikely."

Neil revealed that cash raised through a recent shirt auction on eBay had helped a little but added: "They in no way cover the shortfall that we are experiencing each week due to low gates.

"We have a great squad who are performing small miracles on the ice but the injuries are taking their toll and the guys are having to play above and beyond the call of duty. This can only continue for so long.

"The bottom line is that we need to get more people through the door every week."

Neil confirmed that he had scrapped the 1K Online Club which offered an incentive for people to spread the Capitals message via word of mouth, email and social networking.

This was an attempt to help grow the fan base but he said: "Unfortunately, take up was very poor and so we decided to stop the scheme as there was little fan interest.

"We are a small club and like other teams, such as Hull and Newcastle, we need our fans to be as pro-active as possible to help us spread the word and make people aware of us.

"Obviously, we would prefer not to be so reliant on the fans but without you we wouldn't be here at all so your efforts over the years are very much appreciated."

And Neil warned: "There could well be some tough times ahead for us as a club and some very tough decisions to make but I will make sure you are all kept up to date with where are going."

The cash-strapped club have, however, signed Paisley-based defenceman John Connolly.

He arrived after playing junior hockey in North America where he played for the New Mexico Renegades.

Connolly has played with the GB under-18 team and was voted top defenceman at the IIHF World Under 18 Tournament in Estonia.

Doug Christiansen, Capitals' director of hockey, said: "John is a young, skilled player.

"Mark Garside has recommended him highly and it is great to add another young British player to our organisation.

"John is not a panacea for our injuries but he does provide us with additional depth."