Post by coloradoflyer on Apr 7, 2016 9:25:34 GMT
from neil black,
Nottingham Panthers owner Neil Black says the addition of a new London-based club to the Elite League is 'very close'.
Black already owns the Panthers and Braehead Clan and while he would not say if he will also control the proposed expansion team, he admits he is heavily involved in the project.
"London is very close to being announced and I'm certainly involved," he told the Post.
"We're hoping to announce it very shortly. I'm certainly involved in putting it altogether."
Milton Keynes Lightning are already slated to join the currently 10-strong league in 2017/18 and it is likely any London team would come in at the same time with two more to follow long-term.
"Milton Keynes are in the season after next. Hopefully London as well," said Black.
"We want more teams, but they've got to be sustainable in terms of a fanbase. Fourteen is a good number.
"An odd number isn't great but it's not impossible."
Black feels the league is in a strong position with Manchester Storm proving a good addition.
"It's a very good league. With more imports now you see every night both teams can win. A few years ago that wasn't the case if you got injuries to key players," he said.
"Manchester have been a good addition. They came in very much last minute.
"I don't want to have a punt but they could be a stronger team next season."
Meanwhile, Black was previously rumoured to be interested in bringing a KHL franchise to the UK.
He dismissed that, but said he wants Panthers to play a pre-season game against a team from Europe's biggest league, which is largely based in Russia.
"There's nothing in that rumour at all, absolutely zero. It's a fact the KHL are interested in playing pre-season games in the UK," he said.
"There's no doubt I'd love them to play in Nottingham."
"It would be a great proposition. I'd love for us to get back into the Champions Hockey League as well. I don't think it's a distraction.
"That was proved by Sheffield this season. Maybe the year we played in it was a bit different being the first year of the tournament."
Nottingham Panthers owner Neil Black says the addition of a new London-based club to the Elite League is 'very close'.
Black already owns the Panthers and Braehead Clan and while he would not say if he will also control the proposed expansion team, he admits he is heavily involved in the project.
"London is very close to being announced and I'm certainly involved," he told the Post.
"We're hoping to announce it very shortly. I'm certainly involved in putting it altogether."
Milton Keynes Lightning are already slated to join the currently 10-strong league in 2017/18 and it is likely any London team would come in at the same time with two more to follow long-term.
"Milton Keynes are in the season after next. Hopefully London as well," said Black.
"We want more teams, but they've got to be sustainable in terms of a fanbase. Fourteen is a good number.
"An odd number isn't great but it's not impossible."
Black feels the league is in a strong position with Manchester Storm proving a good addition.
"It's a very good league. With more imports now you see every night both teams can win. A few years ago that wasn't the case if you got injuries to key players," he said.
"Manchester have been a good addition. They came in very much last minute.
"I don't want to have a punt but they could be a stronger team next season."
Meanwhile, Black was previously rumoured to be interested in bringing a KHL franchise to the UK.
He dismissed that, but said he wants Panthers to play a pre-season game against a team from Europe's biggest league, which is largely based in Russia.
"There's nothing in that rumour at all, absolutely zero. It's a fact the KHL are interested in playing pre-season games in the UK," he said.
"There's no doubt I'd love them to play in Nottingham."
"It would be a great proposition. I'd love for us to get back into the Champions Hockey League as well. I don't think it's a distraction.
"That was proved by Sheffield this season. Maybe the year we played in it was a bit different being the first year of the tournament."