New Leeds Chiefs owner Steve Nell reveals his ice hockey ambitions for city at all levels

Nell has bought the franchise from previous owners Planet Ice, who oversaw the birth of the team under player-coach Sam Zajac in time for the 2019-20 NIHL National season.

That season was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic, while the 2020-21 campaign never got off the ground as government social distancing measures were maintained throughout the UK.

Nell is also owner of league rivals Swindon Wildcats but this morning the Wiltshire club announced he would be stepping back from his position a the team’s General Manager - his son Aaron adding the responsibilities to his existing player-coach role.

Nell Sr will continue to oversee all non-hockey aspects of the business, but his main focus now becomes Leeds, as he aims to build a sustainable operation, once which will encompass the senior hockey right down to juniors, the latter boosted by a long-term community programme.

It seems unlikely, however, that Zajac will return to oversee a team he built from scratch two years ago when he was first appointed by Planet Ice.

The 31-year-old defenceman is exploring another career outside the sport which will make it difficult for him to resume his full-time role at Elland Road, although there is a chance he could return in a playing capacity.

Nell said his priority in terms of the senior team would be to appoint a new head coach, although he remains open-minded as to what kind of role that will ultimately be.