NIHL NATIONAL INAUGURAL SCHEDULE RELEASED
The National League Management Group (NLMG) are delighted to share the inaugural schedule for the new NIHL National division which gets underway this September.
Ten teams will compete in the 19/20 season playing for League, Cup and Playoff honours from first puck drop in September through to the Final Four weekend in April 2020.
The first full weekend of competitive action is September 21/22 after two weekends of challenge games. Sheffield Steeldogs and Leeds Chiefs will play the first league game on Sunday September 15.
Regular season play continues until Sunday March 22 when the top eight sides from the standings move on to the post season.
Leeds Chiefs have their first home game scheduled for Sunday November 3 as they continue work on their new Elland Road arena.
An NLMG spokesman said: “It’s always an exciting time when clubs, their players and supporters can see the schedule in black and white. This being a new competition adds to that excitement.
“We’re pleased to get the schedule out there and grateful to the clubs and their home rinks for working together to iron out any issues that arose.
“The NIHL wishes the member clubs every success for the new season and look forward to an exciting, competitive campaign for fans and players alike.”
OPENING FIXTURES
Sunday September 15
Sheffield Steeldogs v Leeds Chiefs
Saturday September 21
Swindon Wildcats v Raiders IHC
MK Lightning v Hull Pirates
Basingstoke Bison v Telford Tigers
Bracknell Bees v Peterborough Phantoms
Sunday September 22
Hull Pirates v Swindon Wildcats
Sheffield Steeldogs v MK Lightning
Telford Tigers v Leeds Chiefs
Peterborough Phantoms v Bracknell Bees
Raiders IHC v Basingstoke Bison
