As preparations begin for the 2025–26 Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) season, clubs across the UK are beginning to shape their rosters. While some organizations have acted swiftly in the early stages of the offseason, others remain in a holding pattern. Below is a comprehensive look at each team’s activity to date, along with key areas of focus moving forward.
Belfast Giants
Despite having yet to announce any player transactions at the time of writing, the reigning league champions appear well-positioned for continued success. Belfast boasts a strong domestic core, including netminder Jackson Whistle and forwards Ben Lake, Scott Conway, and Ciaran Long. However, with Lake now 35 and Long 34, the team must consider how to prepare for long-term succession. Younger British players already on the roster will need to take a step forward, or management may look to bring in emerging domestic talent to reinforce the lineup.
Fife Flyers
Following a challenging campaign and recent changes in club ownership, Fife’s offseason direction remains uncertain. With no confirmed roster moves, speculation continues regarding the team’s operational budget and overall competitive strategy. Should the Flyers retain standout players such as Luca Chiodo, Michal Cichy, and Maxime Martineau, they will have a strong foundation to rebuild upon. A full-scale restructuring is likely, though clarity is expected once internal logistics are finalized.
Nottingham Panthers
Fresh off a memorable playoff championship run, the Panthers have prioritized continuity. Star netminder Jason Grande returns following an outstanding debut campaign in which he played a pivotal role after joining in December. Also confirmed to return are defensemen Zsombor Garát and Cooper Zech—the team’s top-scoring blueliners—as well as forwards Matt Alfaro, Jordan Kelsall, and Oli Betteridge.
However, Nottingham has also seen significant departures. Club captain Sam Herr has announced his retirement, and highly touted English prospect Logan Neilson has signed with the Sheffield Steelers. Re-signing offensive leaders Mitchell Fossier and Tim Doherty is imperative if the club intends to remain a title contender. Given the departure of Neilson and limited British depth, additional domestic signings will likely be a priority.
Coventry Blaze
Coventry has focused on retention thus far, with key players such as goaltender Mat Robson, defenseman David Clements, and forwards Grayson Constable and Kim Tallberg all returning. Head Coach Kevin Moore enters his second year following a successful debut campaign that saw the Blaze finish fifth—exceeding preseason expectations. Moore’s previous emphasis on recruiting young, ambitious players may continue, though the addition of experienced personnel could help the team take the next step.
Glasgow Clan
The Clan have been among the more active teams early in the offseason. Five import players have already been retained: defensemen Chris McKay and Steven Seigo, and forwards Mitchell Heard, Rylan Schwartz, and Deven Sideroff. British goaltender Lucas Brine and defenseman Joe Hazeldine also return. However, the loss of top scorer Cole Ully (28 goals, 53 points in 51 games) represents a significant blow.
With inconsistent goaltending last season and a defense that struggled at times, Glasgow may benefit from exploring alternatives in net and bolstering their blue line. Veteran defenseman Simon Després, who brings experience from the NHL, KHL, SHL, and DEL, would be a key re-signing. In a recent development, the Clan announced the signing of Canadian forward Brayden Burke, who brings top-tier experience from the AHL, Liiga, and DEL. Head Coach Corey Neilson described Burke as a dynamic offensive player expected to play a central role.
Dundee Stars
The Stars clinched the final playoff spot last season, finishing eighth. Early offseason changes include the departure of veteran GB international Ben O’Connor. In response, the club added 22-year-old American defenseman Jackson DeSouza. Standing 6'5" and weighing 220 lbs, DeSouza brings physicality and grit to the back end. He joins a defensive group that already includes re-signed goaltender Jarrett Fiske and Drydn Dow, who is entering the second year of his contract.
To build on last season’s finish, Dundee must retain top offensive contributors such as Jordan Harms, Carter Sanche, Hugo Tsekos, and Ryan Naas. A deeper forward group and greater balance will be needed to challenge for higher league positions.
Manchester Storm
After narrowly missing out on the playoffs, Manchester has undertaken significant changes. Long-time captain Cam Critchlow has assumed the role of head coach following six seasons as a player. The departures of three young British players and defenseman C.J. Garcia—each now moving to the NIHL—highlight the club’s desire for increased experience and physical presence.
The Storm have since added two sizeable British players: 24-year-old forward Rais Francis (6'6") and 27-year-old defenseman Bradley Jenion (6'5"), along with experienced Canadian defender Kyle Locke, formerly of Guildford. Forwards Loren Ulett and Tyler Hinam return. However, re-signing elite scorer Alexis D’Aoust—who led the league with 32 goals and 68 points—must be the club’s highest priority. Combined with goaltender David Tendeck, who was steady throughout the year, retaining these players could elevate Manchester into playoff contention.
Guildford Flames
Injuries undermined Guildford’s potential last season, leading to a seventh-place finish. The offseason has already seen the departure of veteran defenseman Kyle Locke (to Manchester) and forward Ryan Tait (to Sheffield), while longtime captain Brett Ferguson has retired.
In response, the Flames have brought in two defensemen: Jake Gravelle, a 25-year-old Canadian signing his first professional contract after four years in U Sports, and Jamal Watson, who returns to Guildford following stints in the ICEHL and DEL2. Watson was previously an EIHL First Team All-Star, and his return could be a valuable addition. If injuries can be avoided this season, Guildford could remain competitive, though depth—particularly on the blue line—remains a concern.
Cardiff Devils
The Devils experienced a mixed 2024–25 season, securing the Continental Cup but falling short in domestic competitions. As a result, they parted ways with Head Coach Pete Russell and appointed veteran bench boss Paul Thompson, a four-time EIHL champion. Thompson is joined by assistant coach Niklas Hovivuori and defenseman Brandon Estes, both from Odense Bulldogs, with whom they recently won the Danish Championship. Estes brings significant offensive upside from the blue line, having led his team in scoring during both the regular season and playoffs.
Also joining is Canadian defender Tyson Helgesen, a rugged 6'3", 205-lb blueliner who recorded 141 penalty minutes in Hungary last season. The contrast in styles between Estes and Helgesen suggests a new balance in the Devils’ defensive unit. Returning forwards Kohen Olischefski, Josh MacDonald, and club legend Joey Martin round out a formidable offensive core. However, the club must begin to address its aging British contingent—Mark Richardson (38), Evan Mosey (36), Brett Perlini (34), and Ben Davies (34)—with an eye toward future development.
Sheffield Steelers
After a rare trophyless season, Sheffield has moved quickly to strengthen its squad. The signings of Ryan Tait from Guildford and Logan Neilson from Nottingham are noteworthy domestic acquisitions. Netminder Alex Oldale also joins on a two-way deal from Manchester.
Key returning players include defensemen Dominic Cormier (Canada) and Joona Huttula (Finland), as well as forward Mikko Juusola. British players Robert Dowd, Cole Shudra, and Reece Kelly remain under contract, alongside defenseman Kevin Tansey. The return of goaltender Matt Greenfield and forward Mitchell Balmas would further solidify Sheffield’s position as championship contenders. Should the club successfully re-sign Maxim Golod, they will be well-positioned to challenge for all three major trophies once again.
With the EIHL offseason now underway, clubs are beginning to lay the groundwork for what promises to be a competitive and unpredictable 2025–26 campaign. While some rosters remain in flux, the early moves suggest a season rich in narrative, rivalry, and high-level talent.
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