Who Are the Favourites if the UK ELITE League Gets Played?

In August there were increasing concerns that the 2020/21 Elite League season may not happen at all due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plans were made to try and begin the season on the 5th of December but a recent meeting via video conference call featuring the 10 teams of the Elite Ice Hockey League resulted in bad news.

Speaking on behalf of the 10 teams, Chairman Tony Smith said, “We’ve been very open that we need to have fans back in our arenas for us to begin playing again. We operate around 75% to 100% capacity at our venues and this is the level of crowds we would need in order to go ahead at any point, which is not a realistic option right now. Government compliance along with the safety of our players, officials, staff and fans is paramount to this decision.”

However, there does appear to be some light at the end of the tunnel. Adding to his comments above, Smith said, "We are looking into the possibility of some form of top level ice hockey in the UK potentially taking place in early 2021. This could start in late January or early February and go through into late June, but may not include all teams and again this is dependent on crowds being allowed back inside venues.”

So, with the good news of a vaccine, now is the time to begin looking forward to the possibility of the Elite League season being played from January 2021 onwards. It is great news for ice hockey fans and just the thought of seeing the players back on the ice brings a smile to the face. Despite being unsure of the format and how many teams will participate in the league, it is possible to begin speculating on the favourites to win.

Last season ended without a winner although the Cardiff Devils finished top of the table and qualified for the 2020/21 Champions Hockey League. Therefore, it would not be a surprise to see the team from the Welsh capital leading the way again in 2021. If you are planning on having a wager on the Elite Ice Hockey League, BetBull is a leading mobile only bookmaker with a good range of betting markets and odds.

Cardiff Devils have won each of the last two completed Elite League seasons and it is easy to see why they are strongly fancied to come out on top should the UK Elite League get played. However, Sheffield Steelers are sure to have a say in proceedings and the 2016/17 champions have finished as winners or runners-up in four of the last six completed Playoffs. Sheffield Steelers also won the Challenge Cup in 2019/20, adding to their strong claims.

Nottingham Panthers and Belfast Giants are two other teams to keep an eye should the season begin in 2021. Belfast Giants finished top of the league table in 2018/19, while Nottingham Panthers are the most successful team in the history of the competition having claimed 14 titles in total, including 5 Playoff victories and 8 Challenge Cup wins.

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