LONDON, UK – English Premier League hockey is to make a return to London, as a new team headed by current Streatham Redskins defenseman Dave Carr has successfully applied for an EIHA license to operate a team out of the Queensway ice rink.
With Haringey and Romford the last two clubs to play EPL hockey within the confines of the M25, hockey fans in the capital were given a treat today when it was revealed that the Queensway Royals will compete in the second tier of UK hockey in the 2012/13 season.
Carr fresh challenge
Queensway ice rink has been a long standing facility in zone 1 and recently underwent refurbishment thanks to investment from owners Bourne.
“Obviously I am really excited to be starting up a team in Central London” explained GM Dave Carr.
“We have significant investment and I am sure we can attract the cream of EPL talent to the team with the packages we are able to offer players”
“I have already approached a number of key guys via Facebook and Twitter and I will also be at the EPL finals weekend to try and speak to some guys in the bar and maybe get some signatures on contracts so we can get the ball rolling”
With no fan base and no tradition of hockey in the area in recent years, critics point out that Carr is jumping in at the deep end with EPL hockey, especially as the ENL clubs in London are struggling at the best of times to attract fresh support.
Queensway ice rink
“I am a big believer that if you bring entertaining and winning hockey to the table, the fans will follow. We will be providing off-ice entertainment never seen before in the EPL on a model loosely based on Major League Baseball” admitted Carr.
“I have already got a Kate Middleton look-a-like and a deal with the Duchess of York to make an appearance at a few games so we can really get the royal theme pumping”
“There will be corgis running around the fan zones between period breaks and we will be flogging all kinds of Royal related merchandise at games. We are really aiming the product at the US tourist market and possibly the Chinese”
One of the first tasks Carr faces is recruiting a coach with EPL experience and a knowledge of the game at this level.
“Let’s not forget I hit 5 goals and 3 assists in the EPL in 2002/3” blasted Carr.
“I also have a level 1 EIHA coaching certificate and pissed the exam with full marks so let’s not get hung up on who will be the coach, because with the guys we are getting in, you could put my daschund on the bench and it wouldn’t make any difference”
Queensway Royals will be holding a press conference at the London Hilton Metropole on April 20th to reveal more details to fans and journalists.
For an invite please email Natsuko Kimono at: epl-london@queensway.co.uk
The above article was an April Fools day production – For those who arent aware of this peculiar tradition, please see below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_Fools’_Day
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