Japan's 'Bunnies' boiled by crisis

TOKYO: Japan's Seibu Prince Rabbits have disbanded and pulled out of the Asia Ice Hockey League (AIHL) due to financial problems, Japanese media reported yesterday.

The twice Asian champions were unable to maintain operations with attendances slumping amid an economic downturn which already has claimed several big-name victims in Japanese sport.

Rabbits owners Prince Hotel said they had failed to find a buyer despite holding talks with more than 20 interested parties.