CHELMSFORD, UK – Hockey fans across the NIHL have been left stunned, after news emerged today that league champions Chelmsford Chieftains have been booted out of the Play-Offs at the Quarter Final stage.
Brown flying high (Steve Sutherland)
After beating London Raiders over two legs at the weekend, fans and players reacted with horror as the Essex club announced the news on Facebook on Tuesday night.
The controversy allegedly surrounds the inclusion of one of Chelmsford’s teenage prospects they called up to the bench for the weekend clashes. The player in question had not iced in the minimum number of games to be eligible to take part in the Play-Offs and as such, the Chieftains forfeited both matches 5-0 despite winning 6-3 on Saturday and 4-2 on Sunday on the ice.
The Chelmsford press release said that the club were ‘gutted’ at the decision whilst London kept their announcement diplomatic and concise.
London will now take on Wightlink Raiders this coming weekend, with Invicta Dynamos facing MK Thunder in the other semi-final.
This latest Play-Off controversy is the latest in a long line of incidents at this level with Wightlink Raiders, Invicta Dynamos and Romford Raiders all being either disqualified or losing points in recent seasons for a range of random offences.
It can only be assumed that the Chelmsford situation has been caused by an administration error on their part, but quite why it wasn’t picked up earlier, and how the EIHA even noticed it will surely be part of the online conversation. Was it a late spot by London? Did Chelmsford hold their hands up? Or did another club snitch?
Answers on a postcard to the usual address.
Contact the author david.carr@prohockeynews.com
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