Interesting that the CHL appear to have changed their position on the extra spot. I might well be reading to much into this, but I think it shows how higly thought of we are in the CHL and how impressed they are with the way the club is run.
When the Panthers won the Conti Cup the CHL didn't guarantee the extra spot until later in the season. This year they've already done so.
And initially they said if Belfast qualified and won the league the spot would go to the Playoff winners. Now they have confirmed it will go to the League Runners-up - which to me is a far fairer decision. And I think the same way that the Clan previously qualified?
At previous CHL games we've had the chance to chat to a couple of the CHL officials. They've been nothing but complimentary about the club and how it embraces the CHL. After all the got Lordo to help with the draw last summer!
When the CHL was launched it looked unlikely that the EIHL would get any representatives. Now we'll have two teams in it again. No doubt the wins from Sheffield, Clan and especially Nottinghams's group win have helped raise the profile of the EIHL amongst Europe's elite - but I think the professionalism of how our club is now run has helped a lot too.
I certainly think the way in which EIHL clubs have embraced the CHL has done us wonders when this desicion was made.
When i worked over in Vienna for the CHL group games back in September, a lot was being discussed about the UK's social media interaction and viewing figures for streams from the UK not involving the Devils. It seems the CHL see us as good ambassadors for the competition.
We travel well, we big up the competition on social media, we go to all the draws and engage.
Belfast have an excellent track record of hosting events, so their inclusion will only strengthen our reputation in my opinion. Good news all around.