History of the Team

The Vectis Tigers Ice Hockey team first steps to becoming an idea started back in April 2007. A meeting was organised, which took place at Ryde Arena, for existing Under 19 age limit players, rec players and any former Wightlink Raiders greats from the past to attend the meeting. The aim was simple to ascertain and gauge the interest from players with the idea of entering a team into the English National Ice Hockey League. After much debate on things like potential costs involved, training fees through to travel costs and other outlay such as match officials and other various costs to run a team at that level, a proposal was set out to enter a team into the ENIHL. The reason for these moves was due to the (EIHA) English Ice Hockey Associations decision to lower the upper age limit within the junior leagues. They were to abolish under 19 age limit to become under 18. Because of the gap from junior to (EPL) English Premier League is so great it has forced several clubs to enter a 2nd (reserve) team into the ENIHL. This increased the size of the league from 22 teams through to 30 teams for the 2007/2008 season. With the North and South Conferences remaining the South was split into "A" and "B". Head coach Roy Meadows, the management and the players that would make up the side finally got the news they had been craving for as the Vectis Tigers were accepted into the Southern Conference pool "A" of the ENL in July 2007. Due to the late entry into the league and to go along with a failed attempt several years ago to enter a team, the Tigers management agreed to a levy of £125 towards cross Solent travel costs for opposition teams. With no subsidy with the ferry travel it was one of the conditions of being accepted into the league. Having travelled the length and breadth of the country to Coventry, Solihull, Milton Keynes, Telford, Peterborough, Cardiff, Swindon and Oxford the team clocked up more than 1,000 miles on their travels. Often not getting back till the early hours for a 0230 am boat back. With work awaiting most of the squad just a few hours later it showed the dedication of all involved to establish the team and fulfil the season. The whole team made an appearance in the hugely popular Ryde Summer Carnival to spread the word of the Islands newest ice hockey team handing out flyers and chatting to potential fans. Toby the Tiger, the team's mascot was a huge hit with children and adults alike. The first home game was a massive success as some 350 plus fans entered Ryde Arenas doors to see what the ENIHL was all about and more importantly see a 95% Island side fare against their mainland counterparts. With all 8 home games attracting no less than 100 fans, averaging 200 the team deemed to have a good year from a financial standpoint. In the words of Coach Roy Meadows the first year was a learning curve from a results standpoint as the record of 1 win and 15 losses will testify. However if effort and determination wins you games then we were 15 and 1 enthused Coach Meadows. The team is going to be starting its 2nd season come September and the club are firmly on the map.