MURRAYFIELD RACERS have been thwarted in their bid to join the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) next season.

The Edinburgh side had the expertise of legend of the sport Tony Hand on its board and harboured ambitions of replacing Edinburgh Capitals in the UK-wide league but it was announced in a statement yesterday by the EIHL that their bid had been unsuccessful.

“After careful consideration of the proposal put to the board of directors, it has been decided, following a vote taken, that they will not participate in the league going forward.

“We thank them for their application and wish them well for the future. Regarding the vacant 12th slot, we are continuing to examine all options going forward and will announce an outcome in due course.”