NORTH London Hounds owner Nick Rothwell is confident the club can secure the use of Alexandra Palace ice-rink in time for the new ice hockey season in October.

The Hounds, formerly called Haringey Greyhounds, were forced to take a year off in September after the nine-month closure of the rink left them without a home venue.

Having undergone a �2.3million refurbishment, the ice-rink was re-opened in January, and ex-professional player Rothwell is now waiting to secure an agreement which would see the Hounds return to Alexandra Palace in time for the 2011/12 season.

“We should know in four to six weeks. We’re waiting on a deal between the rink and senior ice hockey,” said Rothwell.

“So far the rink have been very receptive, but we can’t rush it. Any deal has to be financially and morally viable.

“The problem in previous years was that money was filtered down through the club and lost, but we want to make sure the rink takes the costs, and the club takes whatever’s left.

“Everything else looks great. We’re hoping to get the management team back together in two weeks time, and then we’ll be ready to go.”

Rebecca Kane, marketing manager for the ice rink, said: “We are so pleased that the ice rink is back open for our skaters to use and enjoy.

“The redevelopment allows us to compete on an international level and we look forward to working with hockey teams to represent Ally Pally.”