Ice Hockey: Robertson stands firm on Elite League sanction

The Ice Hockey UK chairman, Stuart Robertson, yesterday insisted the sport's governing body will not affiliate the Elite League.

The Ice Hockey UK chairman, Stuart Robertson, yesterday insisted the sport's governing body will not affiliate the Elite League.

There had been rumours that the newly-formed league would seek sanction by Ice Hockey UK at a meeting on Thursday. But Robertson said in a statement: "The decision not to sanction the proposed Elite League was taken at our last meeting and was unanimous and relayed to them in writing, followed up by a media release and discussed in length with officials of the EIHL Ltd on the telephone.

"It is very worrying EIHL Ltd could be hanging their hat on the decision being reversed at the expense of any negotiations or merger talks with the FBNL."

The Guildford Flames coach Stan Marple has added the Canadian forward Domenic Parlatore to his roster for the 2003-04 British National League campaign, while the defenceman Scott Young has re-signed for Dundee Stars.