Learn More About England - Elite League (Hockey)
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) is the top professional ice hockey league in the United Kingdom. Established in 2003, it replaced the former Ice Hockey Superleague (ISL) and consists of teams from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The league has grown in popularity and now features competitive teams, international players, and strong fan support.
Structure of the League
- Teams: The league consists of 10 to 12 teams depending on the season.
- Regular Season: Teams play a set number of games, typically around 54 to 60 matches, facing each other multiple times.
- Point System:
- Win (Regulation or Overtime): 2 points
- Overtime Loss: 1 point
- Regulation Loss: 0 points
- Playoffs: The top 8 teams qualify for the playoffs, with a knockout-style format leading to the Grand Final.
- Challenge Cup: A separate cup competition runs alongside the league.
Key Teams in the EIHL
Some of the most well-known teams include:
- Sheffield Steelers
- Belfast Giants
- Cardiff Devils
- Nottingham Panthers
- Glasgow Clan
- Coventry Blaze
Each team has a mix of British and international players, with some North American and European talent contributing significantly.
How to Bet on the Elite Ice Hockey League
Betting on the EIHL follows the same principles as other professional hockey leagues like the NHL. Here’s a breakdown of the most common betting options:
1. Moneyline Betting
- Simple and straightforward: You bet on which team will win the game.
- Example:
- Sheffield Steelers 1.80 vs. Cardiff Devils 2.20
- If you bet £100 on Sheffield at 1.80 odds and they win, you get £180 (profit: £80).
2. Puck Line (Handicap) Betting
- Similar to a point spread in other sports, one team gets a +1.5 or -1.5 goal handicap.
- Example:
- Belfast Giants -1.5 (2.10) vs. Nottingham Panthers +1.5 (1.75)
- If you bet on Belfast -1.5, they need to win by 2 or more goals.
- If you bet on Nottingham +1.5, they can lose by 1 goal or win the match for your bet to succeed.
3. Over/Under (Total Goals)
- Betting on whether the total number of goals scored by both teams will be over or under a specified number (e.g., 5.5 goals).
- Example:
- Over 5.5 Goals (1.90) / Under 5.5 Goals (1.90)
- If the final score is 4-3 (7 total goals), Over bets win.
- If the final score is 3-2 (5 total goals), Under bets win.
4. Correct Score Betting
- Predict the exact final score (e.g., 4-2, 3-3, etc.).
- High risk but high reward, as odds are often 10.00 or higher.
5. First Goal Scorer
- Bet on which player will score the first goal of the match.
- Example: Evan Mosey (7.50)
- If he scores first, you win; otherwise, you lose.
6. Period Betting
- Bet on the result of each period (1st, 2nd, or 3rd period).
- Options include:
- Which team wins the period
- How many goals are scored in the period
7. Outright Bets (Long-Term Betting)
- Bet on the league winner before or during the season.
- Example:
- Belfast Giants to win EIHL: 4.00
- If they win the championship, a £100 bet returns £400.
Betting Tips for the EIHL
- Check Team Form & Injuries: Some teams perform better in home games, while injuries to key players can affect outcomes.
- Look at Head-to-Head Stats: Some teams have strong records against others.
- Consider Goalkeeping Performance: A strong goaltender can keep scores low.
- Watch for Back-to-Back Games: Fatigue can influence results, especially for teams playing on consecutive nights.
- Monitor Odds Movements: Sudden changes in odds might indicate inside information or betting trends.
Final Thoughts
The Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) offers exciting betting opportunities with a mix of skilled British and international players. Whether you’re betting on individual games or long-term outcomes, understanding team dynamics and betting strategies can help improve your chances of success. Always bet responsibly and manage your bankroll effectively.