The Elite League’s four Scottish clubs have announced a new annual event beginning this year at Murrayfield Ice Rink.
The Scottish Elite Cup will pit Braehead Clan, Dundee Stars, Edinburgh Capitals and Fife Flyers to see who can get an edge ahead of the new season.
This year’s competition will take place over the weekend of Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September, with Murrayfield to host the 2017 competition.
From then on the venue will rotate with Fife hosting in 2018, followed by Dundee (2019) and Braehead (2020).
The format of the tournament will work on a semi-final/final basis, with the two losing semi-finalists meeting in a third-place play-off.
The new competition has been welcomed by all four clubs, who will also compete for the Scottish conference in the new format of the EIHL this season.
Edinburgh co-owner Scott Neil said: “We’re excited to be the first of the four clubs to host an event which will boost and promote the sport as well as the rivalries in Scottish ice hockey.
“With the new league format putting us together in one conference, this event will enhance the rivalries between the four sets of fans.
“It promises to be a great weekend and the perfect to get the new season underway and it’s something the fans will look forward to also.”
Braehead Clan Hockey and Operations Director Gareth Chalmers added: “This is another big event on the ice hockey calendar in Scotland and one everyone can look forward to.
“We’ve seen how much these fixtures between all the teams has increased the rivalry and this weekend will be one to look forward to.”
Fife chairman Tom Muir said: “We’ve seen how much the competitiveness among the Scottish teams have grown and this weekend is a great way of showcasing it.
“I look forward to seeing the Flyers fans in Edinburgh and, like the other teams’ fans, will make a lot of noise. It’ll be a great couple of days.”
Dundee owner Steve Ward said: “This promises to be a hotly-contested event and it’s an ideal chance to see how all the teams shape up for the new season.
“Early bragging rights are at stake for all four teams as well, so it’s a great way to start a new campaign.”
The schedule for the 2017 competition will run as follows:
Saturday 9th September:
Semi-final 1 – (face-off 2.00pm)
Semi final 2 – (face off 5.30pm – unless there is overtime after semi-final 1)
Sunday 10th September:
Third place play-off match – (face off 3.00pm)
Scottish Elite Cup Final – (face off 6.30pm)
(Image permission: Al Goold Photo)
