Sheffield Steelers see 2020-21 Elite League season delayed until early December

SHEFFIELD STEELERS’ owner Tony Smith admits playing behind closed doors or even in front of reduced numbers of fans is “not an option” after Elite League bosses revealed their latest plans for staging the 2020-21 season.
WAITING GAME: Sheffield Steelers 
won't be skating out in a competitive fixture at the FlyDSA Arena until December 2020 at the earliest. 

Picture: Dean Woolley.WAITING GAME: Sheffield Steelers 
won't be skating out in a competitive fixture at the FlyDSA Arena until December 2020 at the earliest. 

Picture: Dean Woolley.
WAITING GAME: Sheffield Steelers won't be skating out in a competitive fixture at the FlyDSA Arena until December 2020 at the earliest. Picture: Dean Woolley.

An announcement was made by EIHL chiefs back in April - after the 2019-20 season was ended early because of the coronavirus pandemic - when they said they hoped the next campaign would get underway in early October with a new Magic 5 Weekend format at Nottingham’s National Ice Centre.

That start date along with the event has now been put back until the weekend of December 5 and 6, with the 10 teams using November as a chance to get their rosters in place and stage some pre-season exhibition games.

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The regular season would then be scheduled to end on the weekend of May 2-3, with the Playoff Final Weekend scheduled for Nottingham on May 15-16. Such a late finish to the season would have a major impact on the preparations of Great Britain’s Men’s team ahead of the World Championships in Belarus.

Sheffield Steelers' head coach Aaron Fox unveiled several key signings two weeks ago for the 2020-21 season. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley.Sheffield Steelers' head coach Aaron Fox unveiled several key signings two weeks ago for the 2020-21 season. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley.
Sheffield Steelers' head coach Aaron Fox unveiled several key signings two weeks ago for the 2020-21 season. Picture courtesy of Dean Woolley.

According to the IIHF, they are scheduled to start on May 21. Last year, GB head coach Pete Russell had three weeks to work with his players ahead of their opening game back in the world top tier, where they were able to remain after a stunning come-from-behind 4-3 win in overtime against France in their final game of the tournament.

A fixtures meeting has been tentatively scheduled for the beginning of September, but one of the biggest issues still facing indoor sports like ice hockey is the current social distancing guidelines from the UK government which - as they currently stand - would prevent attendance of games, or at least would only allow for much-reduced attendances.

Given the higher levels of the sport in the UK have no TV deal money to fall back on, unlike other sports such as football, rugby league and cricket – which already have or are set to play behind closed doors – crowds and sponsorship are crucial to their survival.

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As such, Smith – who is also the EIHL chairman – said even with the potential for reduced attendances, it would not be practical to go ahead.

Sheffield Steelers owner and Elite League chairman, Tony Smith 
Picture: Dean Woolley.Sheffield Steelers owner and Elite League chairman, Tony Smith 
Picture: Dean Woolley.
Sheffield Steelers owner and Elite League chairman, Tony Smith Picture: Dean Woolley.

“There are two factors that we need to consider with any return-to-play plan,” said Smith. “The first is that we need six-eight weeks from the time we know we can play in order to complete our teams. That involves getting work visas in place, booking flights and buying equipment.

“Also, we need our fans. We cannot play behind closed doors or with very limited capacity, it just isn’t an option.”

An EIHL statement added that all ten teams were committed to playing the 2020/21 season, although a final decision on being able to resume top-flight ice hockey games in December with crowds will be led by the guidance from the UK Government and devolved administrations.

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Last week, ice rinks across the UK were given the green light by the government to open their doors to the public once again from Saturday, July 25, with all venues being shut since early March.

But as many rinks make preparations to ensure they can welcome the public, the governement’s easing of restrictions has come too late to save the JNL Bracknell Sports Complex, home to Bracknell Bees, NIHL National rivals of Sheffield Steeldogs, Leeds Chiefs and Hull Pirates.

Owners John Nike Leisuresport announced yesterday that it was not financially viable to reopen the rink and that it would remain permanently closed, leading to several job losses.

It leaves the Bees – coached by former Steelers’ player-assistant coach Doug Sheppard – searching for a new home, with nearby Slough Ice Arena believed to be one possible option.

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