The European Hockey Federation has confirmed that Scotland have retained their place in next season's elite EuroLeague and champions Grange will be in the draw for the opening group stages.

The place was in jeopardy when Bromac Kelburne gained no ranking points in this year`s event. Grange, however, rescued a few crucial points by finishing fifth in the lower Trophy competition in Dublin. Scotland have dropped from ninth to 11th place in the rankings, on the verge of dropping out of the competition.

Colin Clarke, Grange's coach, can't wait for the group draw. He said: "The EuroLeague is the pinnacle of world club hockey and Grange will be there. We are going to be playing against Olympians and fully professional hockey players - so the planning and preparation stage starts today."

Grange qualified for the top European spot by seeing off Kelburne in the final of the European play-off last month, they take their beaten rivals' spot in the elite competition while the Paisley side will play in the lower Trophy competition next season.