DCF Opens it's Doors to NIHL

Posted on 16 May 2012

The Devils Community Foundation led by it’s Chairman Paul Ragan and Head of the DCF Brent Pope met with the existing Cardiff National Ice Hockey League (formerly known as ENL) players, coaches and managers last night to discuss the 2012/13 season ahead.

The hockey group were presented with the facts about how a number of challenges and associated costs have affected the sustainable operation of ENL hockey in Cardiff as it was structured. The reality of the business of sport is no different than the challenges that many businesses face across the UK at the moment. The sobering reminder of the real cost of sport led to a positive discussion about how the inextricable link between the Elite League Devils and the DCF Devils must continue to be improved for the better. Discussion and involvement from all sides lead to the following outcomes.

The DCF would like to announce Open Trials for the first two weeks of June for the now known National Ice Hockey League teams in Cardiff for the 2012/13 season at both the NIHL 1 and NIHL 2 levels.

Tuesday June 5^th (NIHL 2 Open Trial) – 8.30 – 9.30

Thursday June 7^th (NIHL 1 Open Trial) – 8.30 – 9.30

Tuesday June 12^th (NIHL 2 Open Trial) – 8.30 – 9.30

Thursday June 14^th (NIHL 1 Open Trial) – 8.30 – 9.30

All current DCF members with a successful Standing Order for monthly fees are entitled to trial whilst any new interest in trialling for the NIHL teams in Cardiff for 2012/13 is subject to a £10 charge for each trial.

Head of the DCF Brent Pope is excited about the prospects of the 2012/13 season ahead, “the reality is we all want the best for hockey in Cardiff but we need to respect the business of sport whilst exploring all options. It is clear that our biggest expense next to Ice time is Coach Bus transportation. Ice time we need, Coach Bus transportation we can do without and the players agreed that making a few sacrifices to ensure sustainable operation at both levels is the best way forward.”

Devils CEO and DCF Chairman Paul Ragan addressed the group and continued to maintain an open mind towards all financially sound options, “I am encouraged by the discussions, but made clear that I will not endorse something that wasn’t financially viable or that impacted on the development of our junior teams and aspiring youngsters. Junior Ice Hockey is our priority and future, but I fully endorse the need to have progression to Elite League level, and with ENL 1 & 2, we have that.”

Ragan also went on to say, “It’s taken a huge effort to turn the business of the collapsed Devil’s organisation around over the past 2 years, and we have a further stiff challenge to keep the ship heading away from the murky waters until the new Ice Arena arrives, scheduled for the 2014 Summer. To achieve this, it remains paramount that we (DCF & Devils) as two organisations continue to develop our business model, build communication links through more regular team meetings, work harder collectively at raising the profile and support for all 8 teams, sow more seeds at Under 10 level by attracting more juniors to this age group. Finally, I fully recognise that much of that success will be down to the future ongoing support of our loyal volunteers, coaches, managers, fan base and sponsors, with whom I sincerely thank.”