With regards to the attempted breakaway of both NIHL teams from the junior club, I would like to make everyone aware that this is NOT the wishes of the junior committee.
Two meetings were held where Coach Mark Cuddihy and some players from NIHL1 were present to discuss this proposal. At both meetings it was made clear to Mark that he would have our full support in taking the NIHL1 team BUT the NIHL2 team was to remain as part of the junior development, with the idea of turning this team into an U20s side which I know is on the UK hockey radar.
On reading the recent press release from the newly formed Cardiff Fire, it appears that Mark Cuddihy is attempting to take both teams. Contact was made with the EIHA to clarify the situation, and we were told that both NIHL teams have been registered in Mark Cuddihy's name.
How this has happened, I don't know. At no point has anybody contacted the junior club or indeed the NIHL2 players to inform them of this action prior to it happening. Mark Cuddihy has been to EIHA meetings representing the junior club, as club secretary, and at some point has informed the EIHA that he is taking over the NIHL teams in Cardiff.
As stated above, this is NOT the wishes of the elected committee or the majority of NIHL2 team members. I appreciate that some players will want to move up to NIHL1, who we will support with our full blessing.
I fully understand why NIHL1 wish to break away from the junior club, as it will allow them to re-brand and attract new sponsorship. The NIHL1 is becoming a very competitive league, and to compete at this level requires, in my opinion, an almost semi-professional set-up which the junior club cannot fund.
The EIHA have asked both parties to get together to try and resolve the situation as they say it is an internal club matter. I have contacted Mark Cuddihy at the beginning of the week. He replied to the new junior secretary that he was busy and couldn't possibly meet with us until he has had his management meeting which is tonight.
I would like to think that Mark will make contact soon so we can sort this matter out.
Rob Shanahan