A bid by Racers Leisure Ltd to join the Elite Ice Hockey League has been rejected throwing the future of ice hockey at the top level at Murrayfield into doubt.
A three-paragraph statement was issued at lunchtime on Monday which said: “After careful consideration of the proposal put to the board of directors, it has been decided, following a vote taken, that they will not participate in the league going forward.
“We thank them for their application and wish them well for the future.
“Regarding the vacant 12th slot, we are continuing to examine all options going forward and will announce an outcome in due course.”
Racers Leisure Ltd have two named officers including David Hand, brother of former Murrayfield Racers legend. Tony Hand.
They confirmed they had won the ice contract for Murrayfield for next season.
Edinburgh Capitals confirmed recently that they had lost the contract and were considering their future.
Capitals, who finished bottom of the 12-strong Elite League last season, launched a social media campaign with the hashtag of #handsoffourcaps.
And they claimed they are the only club who has the full backing of the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) to bring professional ice hockey in Edinburgh going forward.
A statement on their website said: “We face a rival bid for ice time and be in no doubt the future of professional ice hockey in Edinburgh is at stake.
“The rival bid does not have EIHL approval and is gambling on removing the Edinburgh Capitals and attempting to enter the league.
“We have a guaranteed position and do not need to “apply”, a process which brings a huge amount of risk.”
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