Peterborough Phantoms opt out of February return to action

The league last night (February 2) announced phase one of the ‘return to play’ process will see five teams taking part in a National League Spring Cup during February and March.

But Phantoms could wait until September before returning to action with a focus on ‘long-term strength and sustainability,’ although they have not ruled out taking part in a planned phase two competition in April/May.

A Phantoms press release stated: ‘The NIHL National owners group has tonight released an update on an upcoming series of games which will be played during February and March. Peterborough Phantoms were very much part of the planning and discussion of these fixtures, but we have decided not to take part in these games.

‘We can see there are a number of benefits in these games taking place, but for us we would prefer to focus on our long term strength and sustainability with a view to participating in the full season return to play we hope to see in September. We’ll maintain our close working relationship with the NIHL National owners group and will work out with them what role if any we’d like to play in phase 2 in April/May. Right now we’re not ruling this in or out.

‘Returning to play is something we desperately want. It’s not just the return of players to the ice which is important, but the ability for everyone to enjoy both the game and the experience of an amazing night out. Enabling this return is what we are focusing our efforts on. We’d like to thank our partner and long term landlord Planet Ice who have worked with us and have supported us as we developed our plans.’

Sheffield, Swindon, Bracknell, London and Telford will take part in the phaise one competition.