HK Lefty Ends Participation in SHL Before New Season
LEVICE – Following the HK Martin team, another participant in the Slovak Hockey League (SHL) has decided to end its activity before the start of the new season. This time, it is HK Lefty. The club announced its decision on its official Facebook account, citing several reasons for their withdrawal.
One of the main reasons is the planned renovation of the cooling system at the winter stadium, which is unlikely to be completed by the beginning of the new year. Additionally, the club was disappointed by the city’s rejection of their request for reimbursement of expenses related to the rental of the ice surface in another city.
As a result, HK Lefty has decided to apply to the third highest competition in Slovakia. There are speculations in the hockey circles that they may be replaced in the SHL by the B-team of the extra-league Poprad, while HK Martin will be replaced by a newly created club from Prešov.
The full text of HK Lefty’s announcement reads as follows:
“Dear fans, we would like to inform you about the upcoming 2023/2024 season.
Several factors have influenced the club’s decision:
1) The deadline for applying to the SHL was on May 31, 2023.
2) There is a planned renovation of the cooling system from FNPŠ to ZŠ in Levice, and the announcement of approved subsidies will be made on July 11, 2023.
3) The city’s request for reimbursement of expenses related to the rental of the ice surface during the lockout was rejected. Both the city of Topoľčany and the city of Dubnica, which reconstructed the cooling system last season, received support from the city.
4) There is a fine of 25,000 euros for withdrawal from the SHL before the start of the season, and a fine of up to 50,000 euros for withdrawal during the season, which was approved by the VV SZĽH in May.
We have approached several clubs and winter stadiums, and the first one was HK Nitra. Unfortunately, they do not have a free ice surface in Nitra for the next professional league.
After Nitra, we were approached by three other clubs from the east who were interested in helping us. Negotiations regarding the possibilities for our participation in the SHL took place for three long months, and the cooperation agreement is only waiting to be signed.
Some players who wore the HK Levice jersey last season will be joining us at our new place of work, the name of which will be revealed soon.
Matúš Rais could not accept our offer for family reasons, and we have agreed on his hosting until the end of the 23/24 season in Žiar nad Hronom.
For our fans, we are preparing the 2nd hockey league with former pupils and players of lion hockey and our young juniors.”
This decision by HK Lefty marks another change in the lineup for the upcoming SHL season. The club’s reasons for withdrawal highlight the challenges faced by hockey teams, including financial considerations and infrastructure limitations. It remains to be seen how the league will adjust to these changes and what impact it will have on the overall competition.
What challenges have made it impossible for HK Lefty to continue participating in the Slovak Hockey League before the new season?
Our decision to end our participation in the Slovak Hockey League (SHL) before the new season. Unfortunately, we have been faced with several challenges that have made it impossible for us to continue.
One of the main reasons behind our decision is the ongoing renovation of the cooling system at the winter stadium, which is not expected to be completed in time for the start of the new season. This would significantly impact our ability to train and compete at the level we aspire to.
Furthermore, we are disappointed by the city’s refusal to reimburse us for the expenses incurred from renting the ice surface in another city. This financial setback has made it increasingly difficult for us to sustain our operations.
As a result of these circumstances, HK Lefty has decided to apply to compete in the third highest competition in Slovakia. While the decision was not an easy one, we believe it is the best course of action for our club at this time.
We would like to express our gratitude to all our fans for their unwavering support throughout the years. Your passion and dedication have been the driving force behind our team’s success. We hope you will continue to support us as we embark on this new chapter in our journey.
We would also like to take this opportunity to wish all the teams in the Slovak Hockey League a successful and exciting season ahead. We may not be with you on the ice, but we will be cheering you on from afar.
Thank you once again for your tremendous support. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Best regards,
HK Lefty”
It’s disheartening to learn that a talented individual like the HK Lefty has decided to end their participation in the SHL and apply to the third highest competition in Slovakia. While it’s their personal choice, it raises several questions regarding the opportunities available for players in their native Hong Kong.
One cannot help but wonder why a promising player would seek opportunities in a different country, potentially hindering their growth and development within their own community. This raises concerns about the infrastructure and support system for ice hockey in Hong Kong. Are there enough resources, coaching, and platforms to nurture and showcase local talent?
This decision also sheds light on the importance of investing in sports at a grassroots level. To retain talent and foster growth, countries need to provide sufficient resources and platforms for young athletes to thrive. It would be beneficial to explore avenues to encourage and support the development of ice hockey in Hong Kong, allowing players like the HK Lefty to flourish on their home turf.
On a more positive note, we must applaud the determination and ambition of individual players like the HK Lefty. Their willingness to seek opportunities elsewhere demonstrates the hunger and dedication they possess towards their sport. It is a reminder that talent knows no borders, and players will go to great lengths to pursue their passion.
While it may be a slight setback for Hong Kong in terms of losing a talented player, it is also a wake-up call to reevaluate and strengthen the domestic ice hockey scene. Hopefully, this move will inspire stakeholders to invest more in the sport and provide better avenues for growth for aspiring players.
In the end, all we can do is wish the HK Lefty the best of luck in their new endeavor. May they find success and fulfillment in Slovakia and serve as a source of motivation for young Hong Kong athletes dreaming of a flourishing ice hockey career.