Guildford Flames: Difference between revisions

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| logosize    = 209x155px
| logosize    = 209x155px
| city        = [[Guildford]], Surrey
| city        = [[Guildford]], Surrey
| league      = [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]]
| league      = [[Elite Ice Hockey League]]
| founded    = 1992
| founded    = 1992
| operated    =
| operated    =
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The '''Guildford Flames''' are an ice hockey team based in [[Guildford]], Surrey, [[Great Britain]], and their home ice is the [[Guildford Spectrum]]. The club was founded in 1992 and plays in the [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]].
The '''Guildford Flames''' are a  professional [[ice hockey]] team based in [[Guildford]], Surrey and they play their home games in the [[Guildford Spectrum]]. They compete in the top-tier of hockey in the United Kingdom, the [[Elite Ice Hockey League]].
 
Founded in October 1992, the Flames originally played in the second-tier leagues of British hockey, first the [[British National League (1996–2005)|British National League]] until 2004, and subsequently the [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]] until 2017. On 24 February 2017 it was announced that the Flames would become the 12th [[Elite Ice Hockey League]] team, joining from the [[2017–18 EIHL season|2017–18 season]].
 
==History==
The Guildford Flames were confirmed as an Elite League expansion team in February 2017, stepping up from the [[English Premier Ice Hockey League]] (EPIHL), and began play in the UK's top division at the start of the [[2017–18 EIHL season]].<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.coventryblaze.co.uk/news/guildford-flames-to-join-elite-league-20170224# |title= Guildford Flames to join elite league |date= 24 February 2017 |work= Coventry Blaze |access-date= 25 September 2020 |archive-date= 12 August 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200812151704/http://www.coventryblaze.co.uk/news/guildford-flames-to-join-elite-league-20170224 |url-status= live }}</ref>
 
The Flames finished in sixth in their first season (2017–18), followed by a fifth-placed finish in [[2018–19 EIHL season|2018–19]] - a campaign in which they finished runners-up to the [[Belfast Giants]] in the [[Challenge Cup (UK ice hockey)|Challenge Cup]] final.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/ice-hockey/47517874 |work= BBC Sport |date= 10 March 2019 |title= Challenge Cup: Belfast Giants retain trophy with overtime win against Flames |access-date= 25 September 2020 |archive-date= 7 October 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211007063434/https://www.bbc.com/sport/ice-hockey/47517874 |url-status= live }}</ref>
 
Guildford were again in sixth when the [[2019–20 EIHL season]]'s remaining matches were cancelled in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The play-offs were cancelled with only the Challenge Cup seeing a winner (the [[Sheffield Steelers]]) crowned.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/731-eihl-cancels-all-matches-for-rest-of-season |date= 13 March 2020 |title= EIHL cancels all matches for rest of season |publisher= eSports Media |access-date= 18 September 2020 |archive-date= 12 September 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200912170632/https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/731-eihl-cancels-all-matches-for-rest-of-season |url-status= live }}</ref>
 
Then, the 2020–21 Elite League season - originally scheduled for a revised start date of 5 December - was suspended on 15 September 2020 because of ongoing coronavirus pandemic restrictions. The EIHL board determined that the season was non-viable without supporters being permitted to attend matches and unanimously agreed to a suspension.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/927-eihl-board-suspend-2020-21-season |title= EIHL Board Suspend 2020-21 Season |date= 15 September 2020 |publisher= eSports Media |access-date= 18 September 2020 |archive-date= 16 September 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200916023615/https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/927-eihl-board-suspend-2020-21-season |url-status= live }}</ref> The season was cancelled completely in February 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/986-no-elite-league-season-2020-21 |title= No Elite League Season 2020/21 |date= 2 February 2021 |publisher= eSports Media |access-date= 21 February 2021 |archive-date= 3 March 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210303113425/https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/986-no-elite-league-season-2020-21 |url-status= live }}</ref>
 
In the [[2021–22 EIHL season]], Guildford finished the regular season in fifth place with a 25-25-4 record, reaching the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup (losing 6–5 on aggregate to [[Nottingham Panthers]]) and the play-off semi-finals (beating Nottingham 7–6 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, before losing in the last four to [[Cardiff Devils]] 3–2).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/game/3674-car-gui | title=Cardiff Devils 3:2 Guildford Flames }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/schedule?id_season=34&id_team=288 | title=Gamecentre }}</ref> Guildford claimed third place by beating [[Dundee Stars]] 7–5 in the third/fourth place play-off.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/game/3676-gui-dun | title=Guildford Flames 7:5 Dundee Stars }}</ref>
 
The [[2022–23 EIHL season]] proved to be even better for the Guildford Flames, propelled by a strong start to the campaign that saw the Flames top the league for much of the first half of the season, including at Christmas. Forwards Daniel Tedesco (80 points), captain Brett Ferguson (67 points) and Ryan Tait (62 points) led the way.
 
The team were neck and neck with eventual league champions the Belfast Giants, with Guildford finishing in 2nd place in the Elite League with a 40-12-2 record from 54 games, good for 82 points - just two behind the Giants.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/standings | title=Standings 2022/2023 Elite Ice Hockey League }}</ref> Belfast secured the title after a 6-1 win over the Flames at the SSE Arena on 1 April 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/3082-giants-clinch-third-straight-elite-league-title | title=Giants clinch third straight Elite League title! | date=21 August 2019 }}</ref>
 
In the Challenge Cup, Guildford reached the semi-finals, before an eventual 6-3 aggregate defeat - once again at the hands of the Belfast Giants. And in the play-offs, the Flames were on the end of an upset at the quarter-final stage, losing 7-6 at the hands of seventh seed the Nottingham Panthers in April 2023.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/3109-panthers-hold-on-to-knock-out-second-seeded-flames | title=Panthers hold on to knock out second-seeded Flames | date=21 August 2019 }}</ref>
 
Guildford's second place league finish in the 2022–23 season saw them earn qualification for the 2023–24 IIHF Continental Cup. However, in May 2023, the club released a statement confirming they would decline their place in the competition.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.guildfordflames.com/flames_not_entering_continental_cup | title=Flames not entering Continental Cup}}</ref>
 
The 2023–24 EIHL season saw the Flames maintain a record that kept them in the top half of the league table. On 13 March 2024, Guildford finished runners-up in the Challenge Cup final to the [[Sheffield Steelers]], losing 3-1.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/3795-steelers-win-2024-challenge-cup | title=Steelers win 2024 Challenge Cup}}</ref> Guildford ended the regular season in  5th with a 24-20-10 record, eventually losing in the play-off semi-finals to the Sheffield Steelers, 6-3.<ref>https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/standings</ref><ref>https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/game/4364-she-gui</ref> The Flames also lost the 3rd/4th play-off 7-5 to the Cardiff Devils.<ref>https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/game/4366-car-gui</ref>


==Club honours==
==Club honours==
*Season 2023/24
**[[Challenge Cup (UK ice hockey)|Challenge Cup]] runners-up
*Season 2022/23
**EIHL runners-up
*Season 2018/19
**Patton Conference Champions
**[[Challenge Cup (UK ice hockey)|Challenge Cup]] runners-up
*Season 2015/16
[[File:Guildford Flames - Playoff Champions 2016.jpg|thumb|right|The team celebrates winning the 2016 Playoff Championships]]
**English Premier Cup
**English Premier League Playoff Winners
*Season 2012/13
*Season 2012/13
**English Premier League Champions
**English Premier League Champions
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.guildfordflames.com Official Guildford Flames website]
*[http://www.guildfordflames.com Official Guildford Flames website]
 
==References==
{{Reflist}}
 
{{S-start}}
{{S-start}}
{{Succession box | before = [[Bracknell Bees]] | title = [[EPIHL]] Champions | years = 2007-08 | after = [[Peterborough Phantoms]]}}
{{Succession box | before = [[Bracknell Bees]] | title = [[EPIHL]] Champions | years = 2007-08 | after = [[Peterborough Phantoms]]}}

Latest revision as of 18:41, 4 August 2024

Guildford Flames
LogoGuildfordFlames.jpg
City Guildford, Surrey
League Elite Ice Hockey League
Founded 1992
Home arena Guildford Spectrum
Colors      Maroon      Blue
Owner(s) Flag of the United Kingdom Sportfact Ltd.
Championships
Regular season titles 6 (97/98, 00/01, 05/06, 07/08, 11/12 & 12/13)
Challenge Cups 4 (06/07, 09/10, 11/12 & 12/13)
Playoff championships 4 (97/98, 00/01, 03/04 & 10/11)

main

The Guildford Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Guildford, Surrey and they play their home games in the Guildford Spectrum. They compete in the top-tier of hockey in the United Kingdom, the Elite Ice Hockey League.

Founded in October 1992, the Flames originally played in the second-tier leagues of British hockey, first the British National League until 2004, and subsequently the English Premier Ice Hockey League until 2017. On 24 February 2017 it was announced that the Flames would become the 12th Elite Ice Hockey League team, joining from the 2017–18 season.

History

The Guildford Flames were confirmed as an Elite League expansion team in February 2017, stepping up from the English Premier Ice Hockey League (EPIHL), and began play in the UK's top division at the start of the 2017–18 EIHL season.[1]

The Flames finished in sixth in their first season (2017–18), followed by a fifth-placed finish in 2018–19 - a campaign in which they finished runners-up to the Belfast Giants in the Challenge Cup final.[2]

Guildford were again in sixth when the 2019–20 EIHL season's remaining matches were cancelled in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The play-offs were cancelled with only the Challenge Cup seeing a winner (the Sheffield Steelers) crowned.[3]

Then, the 2020–21 Elite League season - originally scheduled for a revised start date of 5 December - was suspended on 15 September 2020 because of ongoing coronavirus pandemic restrictions. The EIHL board determined that the season was non-viable without supporters being permitted to attend matches and unanimously agreed to a suspension.[4] The season was cancelled completely in February 2021.[5]

In the 2021–22 EIHL season, Guildford finished the regular season in fifth place with a 25-25-4 record, reaching the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup (losing 6–5 on aggregate to Nottingham Panthers) and the play-off semi-finals (beating Nottingham 7–6 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, before losing in the last four to Cardiff Devils 3–2).[6][7] Guildford claimed third place by beating Dundee Stars 7–5 in the third/fourth place play-off.[8]

The 2022–23 EIHL season proved to be even better for the Guildford Flames, propelled by a strong start to the campaign that saw the Flames top the league for much of the first half of the season, including at Christmas. Forwards Daniel Tedesco (80 points), captain Brett Ferguson (67 points) and Ryan Tait (62 points) led the way.

The team were neck and neck with eventual league champions the Belfast Giants, with Guildford finishing in 2nd place in the Elite League with a 40-12-2 record from 54 games, good for 82 points - just two behind the Giants.[9] Belfast secured the title after a 6-1 win over the Flames at the SSE Arena on 1 April 2023.[10]

In the Challenge Cup, Guildford reached the semi-finals, before an eventual 6-3 aggregate defeat - once again at the hands of the Belfast Giants. And in the play-offs, the Flames were on the end of an upset at the quarter-final stage, losing 7-6 at the hands of seventh seed the Nottingham Panthers in April 2023.[11]

Guildford's second place league finish in the 2022–23 season saw them earn qualification for the 2023–24 IIHF Continental Cup. However, in May 2023, the club released a statement confirming they would decline their place in the competition.[12]

The 2023–24 EIHL season saw the Flames maintain a record that kept them in the top half of the league table. On 13 March 2024, Guildford finished runners-up in the Challenge Cup final to the Sheffield Steelers, losing 3-1.[13] Guildford ended the regular season in 5th with a 24-20-10 record, eventually losing in the play-off semi-finals to the Sheffield Steelers, 6-3.[14][15] The Flames also lost the 3rd/4th play-off 7-5 to the Cardiff Devils.[16]

Club honours

  • Season 2023/24
  • Season 2022/23
    • EIHL runners-up
  • Season 2018/19
  • Season 2015/16
The team celebrates winning the 2016 Playoff Championships
    • English Premier Cup
    • English Premier League Playoff Winners
  • Season 2012/13
    • English Premier League Champions
    • English Premier Cup
  • Season 2011/12
    • English Premier League Champions
    • English Premier Cup
  • Season 2010/11
    • English Premier League Playoff Winners
  • Season 2009/10
    • English Premier Cup
  • Season 2007/08
    • English Premier League Champions
  • Season 2006/07
    • English Premier Cup
  • Season 2005/06
    • English Premier League Champions
  • Season 2003/04
  • Season 2000/01
  • Season 1998/99
    • Benson & Hedges Plate Winners
  • Season 1997/98
  • Season 1996/97
    • Benson & Hedges Plate Winners

External links

References

  1. ↑ "Guildford Flames to join elite league", Coventry Blaze, 24 February 2017. 
  2. ↑ "Challenge Cup: Belfast Giants retain trophy with overtime win against Flames", BBC Sport, 10 March 2019. 
  3. ↑ "EIHL cancels all matches for rest of season". eSports Media. 13 March 2020. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/731-eihl-cancels-all-matches-for-rest-of-season. 
  4. ↑ "EIHL Board Suspend 2020-21 Season". eSports Media. 15 September 2020. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/927-eihl-board-suspend-2020-21-season. 
  5. ↑ "No Elite League Season 2020/21". eSports Media. 2 February 2021. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/986-no-elite-league-season-2020-21. 
  6. ↑ "Cardiff Devils 3:2 Guildford Flames". https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/game/3674-car-gui. 
  7. ↑ "Gamecentre". https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/schedule?id_season=34&id_team=288. 
  8. ↑ "Guildford Flames 7:5 Dundee Stars". https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/game/3676-gui-dun. 
  9. ↑ "Standings 2022/2023 Elite Ice Hockey League". https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/standings. 
  10. ↑ "Giants clinch third straight Elite League title!". 21 August 2019. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/3082-giants-clinch-third-straight-elite-league-title. 
  11. ↑ "Panthers hold on to knock out second-seeded Flames". 21 August 2019. https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/3109-panthers-hold-on-to-knock-out-second-seeded-flames. 
  12. ↑ "Flames not entering Continental Cup". https://www.guildfordflames.com/flames_not_entering_continental_cup. 
  13. ↑ "Steelers win 2024 Challenge Cup". https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/article/3795-steelers-win-2024-challenge-cup. 
  14. ↑ https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/standings
  15. ↑ https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/game/4364-she-gui
  16. ↑ https://www.eliteleague.co.uk/game/4366-car-gui
Preceded by
Bracknell Bees 		EPIHL Champions
2007-08 		Succeeded by
Peterborough Phantoms
Preceded by
Peterborough Phantoms 		EPIHL Premier Cup Champions
2009-10 		Succeeded by
Incumbent
Ice hockey in Great Britain
Elite Ice Hockey League (2003-present)

Belfast Giants - Cardiff Devils - Coventry Blaze - Dundee Stars - Fife Flyers - Glasgow Clan - Manchester Storm - Nottingham Panthers - Sheffield Steelers

National Ice Hockey League (1997-present)

National League: Berkshire Bees - Bristol Pitbulls - Hull Seahawks - Leeds Knights - Milton Keynes Lightning - Peterborough Phantoms - Raiders - Sheffield Steeldogs - Solway Sharks - Swindon Wildcats

North Division 1: Billingham Stars - Blackburn Hawks - Nottingham Lions - Solihull Barons - Sutton Sting - Whitley Warriors

South Division 1: Cardiff Fire - Chelmsford Chieftains - Invicta Dynamos - Milton Keynes Thunder - Oxford City Stars - Raiders 2 - Slough Jets - Solent Devils - Streatham IHC

North Division 2: Altrincham Aces - Blackburn Hawks 2 - Bradford Bulldogs - Deeside Dragons - Hull Jets - Sheffield Senators - Telford Tigers 2 - Widnes Wild

South Division 2: Basingstoke Buffalo - Guildford Phoenix - Haringey Huskies - Invicta Mustangs - Lee Valley Lions - Peterborough Phantoms 2 - Solent Devils 2 - Streatham Hawks - Swindon Wildcats 2

Scottish National League (2000-present)

Aberdeen Lynx - Dundee Comets - Dundee Tigers - Edinburgh Capitals - Kilmarnock Thunder - Kirkcaldy Kestrels - North Ayrshire Wild - Paisley Pirates

Other current competitions

League Championship - Playoff Championship - Challenge Cup - British Universities Ice Hockey Association - Ice Hockey Varsity Match - Northern League - Women's Elite Ice Hockey League - Scottish Cup

Defunct competitions

Airlie Trophy - Ahearne Cup - Anderson Trophy - Autumn Cup - Association Cup - Bairns Trophy - British Hockey League - British Home Tournaments - British National League (1954–1960) - British National League (1996–2005) - Christmas Cup - Coronation Cup - Coronation Gold Cup - English Club Championship - English League - English League North - English National League - English Premier Ice Hockey Cup - English Premier Ice Hockey League - Findus Challenge Cup - Ice Hockey Superleague - Inter-City League - London Cup - Millenium Cup - Mitchell Trophy - Northern League (1966-1982) - Northern League (2005–2011) - Planet Ice Challenge League - President's Pucks - Scottish Canada Cup - Scottish Cup (1930s-1950s) - Scottish League Flag Trophy - Scottish National League (1929–1954) - Scottish National League (1981-1982) - Scottish Premier Hockey League - Southern League - Winter Cup

Defunct teams

Aldershot Bullets - Amateur Skating Club - Argyll Ice Hockey Club - Ayr Bruins - Ayr Scottish Eagles - Blackburn Eagles - Blackpool Seagulls - Brighton Ambassadors - Brighton Ice Hockey Club - Brighton Tigers - Cardiff Rage - Castlereagh Knights - Dumfries Vikings - Dunfermline Vikings Dundee Rockets - Durham City Wasps - Durham Wasps - Earls Court Rangers - Edinburgh Capitals (SNL) - Flintshire Freeze - Fylde Flyers - Harringay Greyhounds - Harringay Racers - Hull Pirates - Hull Stingrays - Hull Thunder - Humberside Seahawks - Kilmarnock Storm - Lancashire Raptors - Liverpool Leopards - London Canadians - London Lions - London Knights - London Racers - Manchester Minotaurs - Manchester Phoenix - Manchester Rapids - Manchester Storm - Medway Bears - Milton Keynes Kings - Moray Typhoons - Murrayfield Racers - Murrayfield Racers (2018-2022) - Newcastle Jesters - Newcastle Vipers - Niagara Ice Hockey Club - Oxford Blades - Oxford Canadians - Peterborough Pirates - Princes Ice Hockey Club - Richmond Flyers - Richmond Hawks - Royal Engineers Ice Hockey Club - Sheffield Lancers - Sheffield Scimitars - Slough Jets ENL - Southampton Vikings - Sunderland Chiefs - TDC Northern Stars - Wembley Lions - Wembley Monarchs - Wightlink Raiders - Wightlink Tigers

Governing bodies

English Ice Hockey Association - Ice Hockey UK - Northern Ireland Ice Hockey Association - Scottish Ice Hockey - British Ice Hockey Association (defunct) - National Ice Skating Association (defunct)

Other

British National Team - Women's British National Team - British Junior National Team - British Ice Hockey Hall of Fame - Ice Hockey Journalists UK

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