The Elite Ice Hockey League have confirmed that they have approved an ‘extraordinary circumstances’ roster request from Fife Flyers, in relation to the limit cap for non-homegrown players.
The Flyers’ appeal was initiated after they learned their quartet of Kazakhstan signings would depart the club.
Maxim Musorov, Artur Gatiyatov, Madi Dikhanbek and Nikolai Shulga joined the Scottish outfit ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, after captivating head coach Tom Coolen with their performances at the World Championships in May.
All four players were granted an immediate release from their contract, however, citing extreme cultural and language differences as the primary reason for their exit.
Before the start of the season, all 10 member teams in the EIHL agreed to the ‘Roster Regulations for the 2024/25 season’, which outlined that players leaving their contracts midway through the season would not automatically be able to be replaced without counting as a charge.
In normal circumstances, a team can only register a maximum number of 20 non-homegrown players in one season.
Extraordinary circumstances
However, an ‘Extraordinary Circumstances’ mechanism was added to the ruling which stated: “In extraordinary circumstances, an appeal may be made to the EIHL Competitions Subcommittee to replace players that have walked out.”
The Subcommittee that oversaw the hearing comprised representatives from four other Elite League sides, including one other from Scotland, who approved Fife Flyers’ request to surpass the 20-player limit cap on non-homegrown players, meaning that a vote between the other member teams at a meeting of the full EIHL board in December was not necessary to grant their request.
In a statement, the Elite Ice Hockey League said: “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.”
More than 20 non-homegrown players
The league’s statement continued: “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 representatives 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.”
‘We remain committed to getting the team on the right track’
In a statement regarding the approval of their roster request, Fife Flyers club owners Tom Muir and Jack Wishart issued a message of appreciation to fans for their support through the period of immediate change.
The Flyers sit at the bottom of the EIHL table, with just two victories from 17 games, leaving them seven points adrift of a spot in the playoffs.
“Following on from yesterday’s roster update, we want to confirm that we remain committed to improving and strengthening the team on the ice,” Muir and Wishart said.
“We know that some of you have concerns regarding the release of our 4 players from Kazakhstan. Whilst being an exciting and invaluable addition to our team over the summer, the players found it difficult to settle and adjust to life in Scotland which affected them both on and off the ice.
Player wellbeing is front and foremost
“We feel that granting their release was in their best interest as it is vital player wellbeing is front and foremost.
“Following an appeal by the club to the Elite League Standards Committee, we can confirm that we have been granted permission to strengthen our squad, and by doing so we underline our commitment not only to the Elite League, but also our commitment to icing a competitive game day roster in line with Elite League standards.
“Our remaining players in the dressing room are a unified group, and we have conveyed to them that they will be provided with the tools necessary to compete.
Actively in the market to bolster our line up
“We remain committed to getting the team on the right track and are actively in the market to bolster our line up.
“Whilst we understand this is a frustrating time, we’d also like to thank you, the fans, for your continued support.
“We ask that you continue to be loud and proud for the guys on the ice and reserve patience as we continue our player search and aim to finish the season strong.”
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