Elite ice hockey league to restructure

Next season will see the return of elite ice hockey to Manchester as one of a handful of elite teams who have agreed to play in a revamped Ice Hockey Elite League.

Manchester has been confirmed as one of five teams, the others are the Sheffield Steelers, Belfast Giants, London Knights and Nottingham Panthers, that will make up the backbone of a smaller league that aims to encourage the grassroots development of the sport.

A league statement said: 'The important decision to create this league has been taken with the best interest of ice hockey in the UK in mind, from the grassroots right through to the professional game.'

The Superleague has experienced difficulties with not developing British talent and a habit of hiring North American players, with steep wage demands.

The new format is expected to feature seven or eight teams - Findus British National League champions Coventry Blaze may make the step up. Fielding British players will be a priority, supported by a new wage cap that is to be brought in.