Promotion before the season starts is a prize most managers would jump at – but not Bristol Pitbulls owner Rich Hargreaves.

The 29-year-old Bristolian, who has masterminded the return of ice hockey to his home town, turned down the opportunity for his side to start out a division higher than planned, citing a desire to build slowly and ensure his franchise takes seed in the city.

Officials from the English Ice Hockey Association gave his project their backing at an Annual General Meeting in Nottingham on Sunday. The offer of a berth in English National League Division 1 follows six months of hard work by Hargreaves, re-establishing a franchise in Bristol.

"I declined for the simple fact that although we can cater for the needs of the level, we simply aren't ready," Hargreaves told the Evening Post.

"It was nice to be offered and thought of so highly, but this is a new chapter for ice hockey in Bristol and a very important time for us to build slowly.

"Our chance will come when we're ready and by then hopefully we should have a stable franchise and a strong fan-base," added the former international and Elite League player.

The Pitbulls will face off in the 12-team ENL Division 2 in early September and will also be part of a cup competition comprising two groups and a two-legged final between the winners of each.

Supporters can get their first look at the new team when the Pitbulls face Hargreaves former ENL Division 1 team Oxford Stars on August 29 at Bristol Ice Rink, with a return fixture pencilled in for the following day.

The club will be holding the second of three try-outs for new recruits on June 18. For details go to www.bristolpitbulls.com