EIHL approves 'extraordinary circumstances' roster request from Fife Flyers

Flyers organisation approved to strengthen beyond 20 non-homegrown players this season

The Roster Regulations for the 2024/25 season, agreed by all 10 member teams and published before the start of the season, made clear that players leaving their contracts mid-season would not automatically be able to be replaced without counting as a change. However, an ‘Extraordinary Circumstances’ mechanism was provided for under section 2.2, point three:

• ⁠In extraordinary circumstances, an appeal may be made to the EIHL Competitions Subcommittee to replace players that have walked out.

In late November, the Fife Flyers organisation made the Elite Ice Hockey League Board aware that several players had expressed their wish to return home to their families after struggling to adapt to their new lives overseas. Granting their release was in their best interest, with wellbeing is first and foremost in granting the decision made by the club.

The Flyers organisation approached EIHL Standards Committee (previously referred to as "EIHL Competitions Subcommittee”) in order to be able to sign more than 20 non-homegrown players to their roster this season after these players were released from their contracts. The Flyers underlined their commitment to the Elite League, wishing to ensure they remain competitive and ice a gameday roster in line with Elite League standards.

The Subcommittee, made up of representative from four other Elite League teams, including one other in Scotland, approved the Flyers’ request. Their decision was also discussed at the December meeting of the full EIHL Board and did not require a further vote among the member teams.