Guildford Flames are the 12th team in Elite League ice hockey for 2017-18.

Over the last 25 seasons Flames have won 19 English Premier League trophies – six league titles, five play-off championships, seven cups and a conference first place.

Now Flames, for the first time in their history, will ice at the top level of British hockey.

Their move was ratified at an EIHL meeting and they will join EPL rivals Milton Keynes Lightning as new additions for the 2017-18 season.

“We are exceptionally excited to have been given this opportunity by the league and its board members,” says Guildford’s chief operating officer Kirk Humphreys

“There are many reasons for taking the club in this direction, but primarily we feel that the time is right to step up to a higher quality, faster on ice product.

“We believe the jump to the Elite League level will be well received by our fans and best suits our own objectives in promoting the most competitive, entertaining hockey we can put on the ice.

“After a successful quarter century, we are the same club, same home building, same ties to the community, but now we have the chance to compete in the highest league available to us.

“We hope our fans are as thrilled as we are to begin our next steps at the very top of British ice hockey.”

EIHL chairman Tony Smith said: “I am delighted to welcome Guildford Flames into the Elite League ranks next season and their inclusion gives our league even more strength going forward.

“With Milton Keynes Lightning also competing from next season this is an exciting time for the EIHL and our growth is a definite positive as we look to the future.

“Guildford are an established force in the English Premier League and they have a history of success at that level, which will stand them in good stead as they move to the EIHL.”