League position and verified status
The Elite Ice Hockey League is the United Kingdom’s highest senior ice hockey competition. The league confirms 10 teams from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for 2026/27.
2026/27 competition framework
The 2026/27 regular season is a straight 10-team league. Each team faces every opponent six times, three home and three away, for 54 games. The regular season runs from 12 September 2026 to 4 April 2027; the top eight enter the playoffs.
Clubs and choosing a target
Target clubs by position, role, roster construction, recent level, city and an authorised sporting contact. A place in EIHL does not prove a vacancy. Confirm the club, contact and exact recruitment need before sharing documents or paying travel costs.
What clubs assess
Clubs compare skating pace, decisions under pressure, special-teams value, role, verified recent statistics, full-game video, health, contract status, citizenship and administrative readiness. The application must show value at this exact level, not only career totals.
Roster and foreign-player checks
Do not assume one import or homegrown-player rule from an earlier season. The league, club and relevant governing body must confirm the current roster rules and the player’s exact eligibility before signing or travel.
Recruitment timing and tryouts
Recruitment may continue before and during the season, but a trial is not a contract. Confirm who invited the player, dates, evaluation criteria, travel, insurance, accommodation, equipment, expenses and the deadline for a written decision.
Contract, pay and housing
There is no official universal salary table for every club. Put gross or net pay, taxes, payment dates, bonuses, housing, deposit, utilities, meals, travel, equipment, insurance, injury protection, termination and return travel in writing.
Residence and right to work
A club offer does not by itself grant permission to work in the UK. A player who needs the International Sportsperson route requires the relevant eligibility, governing-body endorsement and sponsorship steps; the exact route must be verified before travel.
IIHF transfer, licence and insurance
An international move follows current IIHF transfer rules, but an IIHF transfer does not replace league and national registration, competition eligibility, insurance, immigration permission or a valid agreement. Confirm responsibility for each step and fee.
Player application package
Send passport and any second citizenship; birth year, position, shot, height and weight; current team; verified statistics; Elite Prospects or federation profile; role-based highlights and a recent full game; contract or release status; health status and availability.
Official sources and FAQ
- EIHL competition format ↗
- EIHL 2026/27 key dates ↗
- UK International Sportsperson visa ↗
- IIHF rules and transfers ↗
Verified: 31 July 2026.
What level is EIHL?
It is the highest senior ice hockey competition in the United Kingdom.
How many teams and games are confirmed for 2026/27?
The league confirms 10 teams and 54 regular-season games per club.
When does the regular season run?
From 12 September 2026 to 4 April 2027.
Does a club offer grant UK work permission?
No. Governing-body and immigration requirements are separate checks.
Get a league assessment
Send your profile, statistics, full game, citizenship and contract status. EHA will assess whether Elite Ice Hockey League is a realistic target and identify a next step without promising a contract.
Get assessed for EIHL