THE company in charge of Blackburn Arena insist they would welcome talks with Blackburn Eagles to find a way for the ice hockey side to continue playing.

The Eagles announced earlier this week that they were to fold just weeks after winning the NIHL Laidler Conference title citing a series of problems with the contract offered to the club to remain at Blackburn Ice Rink.

The new terms would have seen an increase in costs and the club’s major sponsor banned from advertising in the rink with Eagles head coach Scott Barnett labelling the decision as ‘like a bowling ball to the stomach.’

But Silver Blades, who own the rink, have today claimed that they have been in talks with Eagles’ nominal owners Blackburn Ice Hockey Development Association (BIHDA) for more than three months to try and resolve the future of the club.

In a statement released to the Lancashire Telegraph Silver Blades said: “The Eagles correctly state that they received official correspondence on March 13.

“However discussions relating to the Eagles commenced at the tail end of 2016 with the Blackburn Ice Hockey Development Association (BIHDA) who are nominally the owners of the Blackburn Eagles.

“Since the official correspondence was issued neither the BIHDA or representatives of the Blackburn Eagles have contacted the rink to discuss or negotiate the terms and conditions.

“Originally the Eagles were set up by the BIHDA to allow junior players to transition to playing senior hockey although over recent season the Eagles have significantly reduced opportunities for young developing players and the Eagles currently have the highest average age in their league with many players having played over 100 games in a higher league.

“As a result of playing under the BIHDA the Eagles have enjoyed paying a rink subsidised ice time rate as well as taking advantage of HMRC rules relating to VAT and sports activities.

“Over the past season the Eagles have made it clear that they are a separate entity operating as a commercial organisation rather than as part of a junior ice hockey development pathway.

“This means that going forward the Eagles would need to be subject to a commercial agreement to ensure they have parity with other teams within the league and to allow Silver Blades to ensure they meet legal requirements.”

Silver Blades also gave reasons as to why Blackburn E-cigarette firm Totally Wicked, who have been the main sponsor of the Eagles for the past two years, would not be allowed to advertise in the rink.

Silver Blades say that the ban on e-cigarettes and re-fill container advertising is as a result from a Department of Health directive released in May 2016 precluding advertising across a range of media platforms as well as in activities which take place in two or more European Economic Area states.

The statement continued: “Although this directive is open to interpretation the activity of ice hockey clearly takes place in two or more EEA states.

“Additionally, games at Blackburn Ice Arena, including some featuring the Blackburn Eagles, are featured on television.

“Silver Blades Ice Rink arena would welcome discussions with either the BIHDA or representatives of the Blackburn Eagles.”