I've been casually following the Edinburgh Capitals and it seemed like they had a pretty die hard, albeit small, following. Do you know what the rationale behind this decision was?
Yes the Edin Capitals did have their small, hardcore, fanbase. It was usually around 600-800 per game (which for the EIHL is just under unsustainable) when they needed to get at least 1,000.
The rink is old. The boards are concrete for example and there are pillars in the way of some views! anyway back to topic,
Caps have always struggled and their avg of 600 fans didn't help. Management was stagnant and didn't ever really listen to ideas or anything. They linked up with Ak Bars in some way for last season - didn't work out. They announced big changes to the back room staff and a new business plan and sponsorship.
Then they go bankrupt mid last season and make a deal with the rink to continue playing rather than folding. They they go tot he rink to renew the ice time deal but the Racers Ltd have also gone to the rink. Racers are new, have a good business plan, have money in the bank and have certain people (Tony Hand for example) involved - while the Capitals are bankrupt. The rink awards the contract to the Racers Ltd so Capitals have no where to play. The league said they'll deal with whoever has an ice time contract with the rink (Racers do) but for some reason they've refused to deal with them now and not really given an explanation.
The rumor now is that Hull Pirates from the Semi Pro league below will take the 12th spot in the league.