Ice Hockey: Caps not yet committed to top tier

Published on Monday 28 March 2011 12:12

EDINBURGH Capitals have not yet committed to another season in the Elite League it emerged today.

Owner Scott Neil first wants to ensure the Murrayfield-based outfit has finance in place first before signing up.

Neil, who also acted as head coach for the cash-strapped club, also revealed that he is in talks with current and new sponsors.

He said: "We are working towards another season in the league but would not commit until we are confident that we are adequately financed with a solid structure that can take the team forward in to a competitive Elite League season and beyond. I am very encouraged and optimistic at this stage of the year as we have been given very positive news from current and new sponsors/investors for their support for next season.

"The team is in a better position to launch an Elite League campaign for a number of years but, after the circumstances of this season, we want to be 100 per cent certain that we can deliver a strong competitive team from start to finish with an off-ice structure to compliment the growing aspirations of the team and the League."

Meanwhile, Dundee CCS Stars and Braehead Clan were both knocked out of the Elite League play-offs at the weekend. Nottingham Panthers beat Clan 8-4 on aggregate while Sheffield Steelers, the newly-crowned Elite League champions, edged Dundee 8-5 over the two legs.