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{{about|the British league|other leagues|Super Hockey League|and|Super League (disambiguation)}} |
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{{redirect|BISL|the Business Information Services Library|Business Information Services Library|the British school in Slovenia|British International School of Ljubljana}} |
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{{short description|Former professional ice hockey league in the United Kingdom}} |
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{{Infobox Hockey League |
{{Infobox Hockey League |
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| name = Ice Hockey Superleague |
| name = Ice Hockey Superleague |
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| logo = |
| logo = |
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| caption = |
| caption = |
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| country = |
| country = United Kingdom |
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| confed = [[International Ice Hockey Federation|IIHF]] |
| confed = [[International Ice Hockey Federation|IIHF]] |
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| founded = November 1995 |
| founded = November 1995 |
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| first = |
| first = [[1996–97 ISL season|1996–97]] |
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| folded = |
| folded = [[2002–03 ISL season|2002–03]] |
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| divisions = |
| divisions = |
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| conferences= |
| conferences= |
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| Line 17: | Line 18: | ||
| relegation = |
| relegation = |
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| champ = Superleague trophy |
| champ = Superleague trophy |
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| assc_champ = [[British Championship]]<br/>[[Challenge Cup (UK ice hockey)|Express Cup]]<br/>[[Autumn Cup|Benson & Hedges Cup]] |
| assc_champ = [[British Championship (ice hockey)|British Championship]]<br/>[[Challenge Cup (UK ice hockey)|Express Cup]]<br/>[[Autumn Cup|Benson & Hedges Cup]] |
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| champions = [[Sheffield Steelers]] |
| champions = [[Sheffield Steelers]] |
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| season = 2002-03 |
| season = [[2002–03 ISL season|2002-03]] |
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| most successful club = [[Sheffield Steelers]]<br/>2 times winners |
| most successful club = [[Sheffield Steelers]]<br/>2 times winners |
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| tv = [[Sky Sports]] (1996–99) |
| tv = [[Sky Sports]] (1996–99) |
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}} |
}} |
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The British '''Ice Hockey Superleague''' ('''BISL''', also known as the '''Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague''' from |
The British '''Ice Hockey Superleague''' ('''BISL''', also known as the '''Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague''' from 1998 to 1999 for sponsorship reasons) was a [[professional]] [[ice hockey]] league in the United Kingdom between 1996 and 2003. Devised in 1995, it replaced the premier division of the [[British Hockey League]] at the end of 1995–1996 season; following the major reshuffle of the league and the split between the first and second tier divisions; with the [[British National League (1996–2005)|British National League]] becoming the new second tier division. It was disbanded after the [[2002–03 ISL season|2002-03]] season and replaced by the [[Elite Ice Hockey League]]. Unlike its North American counterparts, the Superleague was not divided into conferences; teams competed in a single division. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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| ⚫ | The Ice Hockey Superleague Ltd was established on 1 November 1995 and held its first season in [[1996–97 ISL season|1996-97]] with eight founding clubs – Ayr Scottish Eagles, Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees, Cardiff Devils, Manchester Storm, Newcastle Cobras, Nottingham Panthers, and Sheffield Steelers.<ref name="Programme2">Centrum Area Match Programme (17.10.1996). ''Ayr Scottish Eagles v Manchester Storm'', p14</ref> |
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British ice hockey's structure underwent major reorganisation in 1996. The [[British Hockey League]] (the highest senior competition since 1982) was disbanded and replaced by the Ice Hockey Superleague and [[British National League (1996–2005)|British National League]]. |
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| ⚫ | The Ice Hockey Superleague Ltd was established on 1 November 1995 and held its first season in 1996- |
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===Overview=== |
===Overview=== |
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Several competitions fell under the jurisdiction of the Superleague. The Superleague ran a total of four competitions: the League, the Play-offs, the Express Cup and the [[Autumn Cup|Benson and Hedges Cup]]. The league consisted of a single division, each team playing three home games and three away games against the other teams in the league. Two points were awarded for a win and one point for an overtime defeat. Overtime consisted of 10 minutes of [[Sudden death (sport)|sudden death]]. The team that had most points after all fixtures were completed were declared Superleague champions.<ref name="Programme4">Centrum Area Match Programme (17.10.1996). ''Ayr Scottish Eagles v Manchester Storm'', p18</ref> |
Several competitions fell under the jurisdiction of the Superleague. The Superleague ran a total of four competitions: the League, the Play-offs, the Express Cup and the [[Autumn Cup|Benson and Hedges Cup]]. The league consisted of a single division, each team playing three home games and three away games against the other teams in the league. Two points were awarded for a win and one point for an overtime defeat. Overtime consisted of 10 minutes of [[Sudden death (sport)|sudden death]]. The team that had most points after all fixtures were completed were declared Superleague champions.<ref name="Programme4">Centrum Area Match Programme (17.10.1996). ''Ayr Scottish Eagles v Manchester Storm'', p18</ref> |
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After the regular season was complete, the teams would be entered into the play-offs, the winner of which won the British Championship.<ref name="Programme5">Centrum Area Match Programme (12.03.1997). ''Ayr Scottish Eagles v Manchester Storm'', p14</ref> The teams were entered into two groups, Group A and Group B, each team playing three home games and three away games against the other teams in the group. Two points were awarded for a win and one point for an overtime defeat. Overtime consisted of 10 minutes of sudden death. The top two teams in each group qualified for the semi-finals, which were straight knockout matches. Both the semi |
After the regular season was complete, the teams would be entered into the play-offs, the winner of which won the British Championship.<ref name="Programme5">Centrum Area Match Programme (12.03.1997). ''Ayr Scottish Eagles v Manchester Storm'', p14</ref> The teams were entered into two groups, Group A and Group B, each team playing three home games and three away games against the other teams in the group. Two points were awarded for a win and one point for an overtime defeat. Overtime consisted of 10 minutes of sudden death. The top two teams in each group qualified for the semi-finals, which were straight knockout matches. Both the semi-finals and final took place over the course of a weekend.<ref name="Programme5"/> |
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The Superleague was governed by a board of directors who were the owners of the participating teams with Martin Weddell as |
The Superleague was governed by a board of directors who were the owners of the participating teams with Martin Weddell as chairman. The chief executive Ian Taylor from 1996 to 1902 was replaced by the league's former secretary, Brian Storey in what would be the league's final season of 2003.<ref>{{cite news| author = BBC News | title = Change at the top for Superleague | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/1960028.stm | access-date = 2011-11-19 | publisher = BBC | date=2002-04-30}}</ref> A system of promotion and relegation was not operated by the Superleague; teams entered the league on the basis of a decision by the board of directors, however the British National league was regarded as the league below the level of the Superleague.{{Citation needed|date=November 2011}} |
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===Trophy=== |
===Trophy=== |
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The trophy that was awarded to the winners of the superleague, was called the '''Ice hockey superleague trophy'''. It was a silver replica of a George III Monteith Bowl. In the inaugural season, the trophy was taken around the arenas of the superleague teams and publicly displayed on the following dates:<ref name="Programme1">Centrum Area Match Programme (17.10.1996). ''Ayr Scottish Eagles v Manchester Storm'', p4</ref> |
The trophy that was awarded to the winners of the superleague, was called the '''Ice hockey superleague trophy'''. It was a silver replica of a George III Monteith Bowl. In the inaugural season, the trophy was taken around the arenas of the superleague teams and publicly displayed on the following dates:<ref name="Programme1">Centrum Area Match Programme (17.10.1996). ''Ayr Scottish Eagles v Manchester Storm'', p4</ref> |
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{{Div col}} |
{{Div col}} |
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* 21 September 1996 |
* 21 September 1996 – Bracknell |
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* 22 September 1996 |
* 22 September 1996 – Cardiff |
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* 1 October 1996 |
* 1 October 1996 – Nottingham |
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* 5 October 1996 |
* 5 October 1996 – Sheffield |
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* 10 October 1996 |
* 10 October 1996 – Newcastle |
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* 10 November 1996 |
* 10 November 1996 – Ayr |
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* 17 November 1996 |
* 17 November 1996 – Manchester |
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* 23 November 1996 |
* 23 November 1996 – Basingstoke |
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{{Div col end}} |
{{Div col end}} |
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The trophy itself resembled a Monteith bowl used to cool wine (or punch) glasses that are suspended by their feet through the scallop-edged rim of the bowl. The bowl itself was made of silver, was 14 inches in diameter and 12 inches tall with a mahogany plinth.<ref name=Programme1 /> |
The trophy itself resembled a Monteith bowl used to cool wine (or punch) glasses that are suspended by their feet through the scallop-edged rim of the bowl. The bowl itself was made of silver, was 14 inches in diameter and 12 inches tall with a mahogany plinth.<ref name=Programme1 /> |
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{{location map~ |United Kingdom |lat=51.483333 |long=-3.183333 |label=[[Cardiff Devils|Devils]]|position=left}} |
{{location map~ |United Kingdom |lat=51.483333 |long=-3.183333 |label=[[Cardiff Devils|Devils]]|position=left}} |
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{{location map~ |United Kingdom |lat=51.511214 |long=-0.119824 |label=[[London Knights (UK)|Knights]]|position=right}} |
{{location map~ |United Kingdom |lat=51.511214 |long=-0.119824 |label=[[London Knights (UK)|Knights]]|position=right}} |
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{{location map~ |United Kingdom |lat=53.479324|long=-2.248485 |label=[[Manchester Storm|Storm]]|position=top}} |
{{location map~ |United Kingdom |lat=53.479324|long=-2.248485 |label=[[Manchester Storm (1995–2002)|Storm]]|position=top}} |
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{{location map~ |United Kingdom |lat=54.978252 |long=-1.617780 |label=[[Newcastle Cobras|Cobras/ Riverkings/ Jesters]]|position=right}} |
{{location map~ |United Kingdom |lat=54.978252 |long=-1.617780 |label=[[Newcastle Cobras|Cobras/ Riverkings/ Jesters]]|position=right}} |
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{{location map~ |United Kingdom |lat=52.95 |long=-1.133333 |label=[[Nottingham Panthers|Panthers]]|position=right}} |
{{location map~ |United Kingdom |lat=52.95 |long=-1.133333 |label=[[Nottingham Panthers|Panthers]]|position=right}} |
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In 1998, the Superleague secured a major sponsorship deal with [[Sekonda]]. Sekonda remained the title sponsor until 2002, during which time the league was known as the '''Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague'''. During this time, the [[man of the match]] awards were presented with a Sekonda watch. |
In 1998, the Superleague secured a major sponsorship deal with [[Sekonda]]. Sekonda remained the title sponsor until 2002, during which time the league was known as the '''Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague'''. During this time, the [[man of the match]] awards were presented with a Sekonda watch. |
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Each month one of the man of the match winners would be selected as the ''Sekonda Face to Watch''. At the end of each season the ''Sekonda Superleague Player of the Year'' would be selected from the Sekonda Face to Watch winners by a panel of journalists — except for the season 2001–02 when Sekonda's sponsorship finished part way through the season.<ref>{{cite news| author = AZHockey | title = Sekonda Superleague Player of the Year |
Each month one of the man of the match winners would be selected as the ''Sekonda Face to Watch''. At the end of each season the ''Sekonda Superleague Player of the Year'' would be selected from the Sekonda Face to Watch winners by a panel of journalists — except for the season [[2001–02 ISL season|2001-02]] when Sekonda's sponsorship finished part way through the season.<ref>{{cite news | author = AZHockey | title = Sekonda Superleague Player of the Year | url = http://www.azhockey.com/Se.htm#Sekonda%20Superleague%20Player%20of%20the%20Year | access-date = 2011-11-19 | publisher = azhockey.com | date = 2008-12-19 | archive-date = 2009-08-28 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090828195448/http://www.azhockey.com/Se.htm#Sekonda%20Superleague%20Player%20of%20the%20Year | url-status = dead }}</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%" |
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%" |
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| Line 81: | Line 80: | ||
! March |
! March |
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|- |
|- |
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| 1998–99 |
| [[1998–99 ISL season|1998-99]] |
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| Greg Hadden |
| Greg Hadden |
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| Kip Noble |
| Kip Noble |
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| Line 89: | Line 88: | ||
| [[Shayne McCosh]] |
| [[Shayne McCosh]] |
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|- |
|- |
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| 1999–00 |
| [[1999–00 ISL season|1999-00]] |
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| '''[[Ed Courtenay]]''' |
| '''[[Ed Courtenay]]''' |
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| [[Mark Cavallin]] |
| [[Mark Cavallin]] |
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| Line 97: | Line 96: | ||
| Jimmy Hibbert |
| Jimmy Hibbert |
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|- |
|- |
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| 2000–01 |
| [[2000–01 ISL season|2000-01]] |
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| Trevor Robins |
| Trevor Robins |
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| Tony Hand |
| Tony Hand |
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| Joe Cardarelli |
| Joe Cardarelli |
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|- |
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| 2001–02 |
| [[2001–02 ISL season|2001-02]] |
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| Mark Cadotte |
| Mark Cadotte |
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| Colin Ward |
| Colin Ward |
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===Collapse=== |
===Collapse=== |
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Cardiff Devils and Newcastle Jesters pulled out of the league in 2001, reducing the membership of the Superleague to seven clubs.<ref>{{cite news| author = BBC News | title = Cardiff loses Superleague status | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/wales/1320814.stm | access-date = 2011-11-19 | publisher = BBC | date=2001-05-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| author = SportBusiness | title = Newcastle Jesters face expulsion | url = http://www.sportbusiness.com/news/115766/newcastle-jesters-face-expulsion | access-date = 2011-11-19 | publisher = sportbusiness.com | date=2001-10-18}}</ref> Then, [[Manchester Storm (1995–2002)|Manchester Storm]] and [[Ayr Scottish Eagles|Scottish Eagles]] both folded within a week of one another during the early stages of the [[2002–03 ISL season|2002-03]] season, leaving just five teams remaining.<ref>{{cite news| author = BBC | title = Eagles forced out | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/2477323.stm | access-date = 2006-07-02 | publisher = bbc.co.uk | date=2002-11-14}}</ref> To make matters worse, in December 2002 [[Bracknell Bees]] announced their intention to resign from the league to join the BNL at the end of the season, and uncertainty arose surrounding the future of [[London Knights (UK)|London Knights]] and their [[London Arena]] home at this time; which ultimately led to the Knights folding in 2003. Owing a large debt to Ice Hockey UK and facing the prospect of having only three member clubs, the Superleague placed itself into liquidation on 30 April 2003.<ref name="autogenerated2006">{{cite news| author = BBC | title = Elite League "will go ahead" | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/2952464.stm | access-date = 2006-07-02 | publisher = BBC News | date=2003-05-31}}</ref> |
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[[Manchester Storm]] and the [[Ayr Scottish Eagles|Scottish Eagles]] collapsed within a week of one another at the beginning of the 2002–03 season, leaving just five teams remaining.<ref>{{cite news| author = BBC | title = Eagles forced out | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/2477323.stm | accessdate = 2006-07-02 | publisher = bbc.co.uk | date=2002-11-14}}</ref> |
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In December 2002 the [[Bracknell Bees]] announced their intention to resign from the league to join the BNL at the end of the season and uncertainty surrounded the future of the [[London Knights (UK)|London Knights]] and their [[London Arena]] home. |
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Owing a large debt to Ice Hockey UK and facing the prospect of having only three member clubs, the Superleague put itself into liquidation on 30 April 2003.<ref name="autogenerated2006">{{cite news| author = BBC | title = Elite League "will go ahead" | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/2952464.stm | accessdate = 2006-07-02 | publisher = BBC News | date=2003-05-31}}</ref> |
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===Elite ice hockey league=== |
===Elite ice hockey league=== |
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The Elite Ice Hockey League was formed by the remaining three clubs |
The Elite Ice Hockey League was formed by the remaining three clubs (Belfast Giants, Nottingham Panthers, and Sheffield Steelers) and played their first season on 12 September 2003. The Elite league is seen as the successor league to the Ice Hockey Superleague.<ref name="autogenerated2006" /> |
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==Participating clubs== |
==Participating clubs== |
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| Line 139: | Line 132: | ||
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|- |
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| {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Ayr Scottish Eagles]]<sup>*</sup> |
| {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Ayr Scottish Eagles]]<sup>*</sup> |
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| 1996 |
| align=center | 1996 |
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| [[Ayr]] |
| [[Ayr]]<br>[[Ayrshire]] |
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| [[Centrum Arena (Prestwick)|Centrum Arena]] |
| [[Centrum Arena (Prestwick)|Centrum Arena]]<br>[[Braehead Arena]] |
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| 2,733 |
| align=center | 2,733<br>4,000 |
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| ⚫ | |||
| 1996–2002 |
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|- |
|- |
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| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Basingstoke Bison]]<sup>*</sup> |
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Basingstoke Bison]]<sup>*</sup> |
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| 1988 |
| align=center | 1988 |
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| [[Basingstoke]] |
| [[Basingstoke]] |
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| [[Planet Ice Silverdome Arena|Planet Ice Silverdome]] |
| [[Planet Ice Silverdome Arena|Planet Ice Silverdome]] |
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| 2,000 |
| align=center | 2,000 |
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| 1996–1998 |
| 1996–1998 |
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|- |
|- |
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| {{flagicon|NIR}} [[Belfast Giants]] |
| {{flagicon|NIR}} [[Belfast Giants]] |
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| 2000 |
| align=center | 2000 |
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| [[Belfast]] |
| [[Belfast]] |
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| [[ |
| [[SSE Arena Belfast]] |
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| 8,300 |
| align=center | 8,300 |
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| 2000–2003 |
| 2000–2003 |
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|- |
|- |
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| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Bracknell Bees]]<sup>*</sup> |
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Bracknell Bees]]<sup>*</sup> |
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| 1987 |
| align=center | 1987 |
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| [[Bracknell]] |
| [[Bracknell]] |
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| John Nike Leisuresport Complex |
| John Nike Leisuresport Complex |
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| 2,400 |
| align=center | 2,400 |
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| 1996–2003 |
| 1996–2003 |
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|- |
|- |
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| {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Cardiff Devils]]<sup>*</sup> |
| {{flagicon|WAL}} [[Cardiff Devils]]<sup>*</sup> |
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| 1986 |
| align=center | 1986 |
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| [[Cardiff]] |
| [[Cardiff]] |
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| [[ |
| [[Wales National Ice Rink]] |
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| 2,500 |
| align=center | 2,500 |
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| 1996–2001 |
| 1996–2001 |
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|- |
|- |
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| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[London Knights (UK)|London Knights]] |
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[London Knights (UK)|London Knights]] |
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| 1998 |
| align=center | 1998 |
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| |
| London |
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| [[London Arena]] |
| [[London Arena]] |
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| 12,500 |
| align=center | 12,500 |
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| 1998–2003 |
| 1998–2003 |
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|- |
|- |
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| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Manchester Storm]]<sup>*</sup> |
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Manchester Storm (1995–2002)|Manchester Storm]]<sup>*</sup> |
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| 1995 |
| align=center | 1995 |
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| [[Manchester]] |
| [[Manchester]] |
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| [[Manchester |
| [[Manchester Arena]] |
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| 17,245 |
| align=center | 17,245 |
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| |
| 1996–2002<sup>†</sup> |
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|- |
|- |
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| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Newcastle |
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Newcastle Jesters]]<sup>*</sup> |
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| 1996 |
| align=center | 1996 |
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| [[Newcastle |
| [[Newcastle upon Tyne]] |
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| [[ |
| [[Utilita Arena Newcastle]] |
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| 4,500 |
| align=center | 4,500 |
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| 1996–2001 |
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| 1996–1998 |
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|- |
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| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Newcastle Riverkings]] |
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| 1998 |
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| [[Newcastle-upon-Tyne]] |
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| [[Metro Radio Arena|Telewest Arena]] |
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| 4,500 |
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| 1998–2000 |
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|- |
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| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Newcastle Jesters]] |
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| 2000 |
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| [[Newcastle-upon-Tyne]] |
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| [[Metro Radio Arena|Telewest Arena]] |
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| 4,500 |
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| 2000–2001 |
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|- |
|- |
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| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Nottingham Panthers]]<sup>*</sup> |
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Nottingham Panthers]]<sup>*</sup> |
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| 1946 |
| align=center | 1946 |
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| [[Nottingham]] |
| [[Nottingham]] |
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| [[National Ice Centre]] |
| [[National Ice Centre]] |
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| 10,000 |
| align=center | 10,000 |
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| 1996–2003 |
| 1996–2003 |
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|- |
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| {{flagicon|SCO}} [[Scottish Eagles]] |
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| 2002 |
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| [[Renfrewshire]] |
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| [[Braehead Arena]] |
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| 4,000 |
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| ⚫ | |||
|- |
|- |
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| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sheffield Steelers]]<sup>*</sup> |
| {{flagicon|ENG}} [[Sheffield Steelers]]<sup>*</sup> |
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| 1991 |
| align=center | 1991 |
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| [[Sheffield]] |
| [[Sheffield]] |
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| [[ |
| [[Utilita Arena Sheffield]] |
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| 8,500 |
| align=center | 8,500 |
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| 1996–2003 |
| 1996–2003 |
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|} |
|} |
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<sup>*</sup> Denotes founding member<br/> |
<sup>*</sup> Denotes founding member<br/> |
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† Club folded in the |
† Club folded in the 2002–03 season. |
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==Champions== |
==Champions== |
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| Line 249: | Line 221: | ||
!Runners-Up |
!Runners-Up |
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|- |
|- |
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! 1996–97 |
! [[1996–97 ISL season|1996-97]] |
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| Cardiff Devils |
| Cardiff Devils |
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| Sheffield Steelers |
| Sheffield Steelers |
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| Line 259: | Line 231: | ||
| Ayr Scottish Eagles |
| Ayr Scottish Eagles |
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|- |
|- |
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! 1997–98 |
! [[1997–98 ISL season|1997-98]] |
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| Ayr Scottish Eagles |
| Ayr Scottish Eagles |
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| Manchester Storm |
| Manchester Storm |
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| Line 269: | Line 241: | ||
| Cardiff Devils |
| Cardiff Devils |
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|- |
|- |
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! 1998-99 |
! [[1998–99 ISL season|1998-99]] |
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| Manchester Storm |
| Manchester Storm |
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| Cardiff Devils |
| Cardiff Devils |
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| Line 279: | Line 251: | ||
| Ayr Scottish Eagles |
| Ayr Scottish Eagles |
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|- |
|- |
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! 1999-00 |
! [[1999–00 ISL season|1999-00]] |
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| Bracknell Bees |
| Bracknell Bees |
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| Sheffield Steelers |
| Sheffield Steelers |
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| London Knights |
| London Knights |
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| Newcastle |
| Newcastle Jesters |
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| Sheffield Steelers |
| Sheffield Steelers |
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| Nottingham Panthers |
| Nottingham Panthers |
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| Line 289: | Line 261: | ||
| London Knights |
| London Knights |
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|- |
|- |
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! 2000-01 |
! [[2000–01 ISL season|2000-01]] |
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| Sheffield Steelers |
| Sheffield Steelers |
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| Cardiff Devils |
| Cardiff Devils |
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| Line 299: | Line 271: | ||
| Newcastle Jesters |
| Newcastle Jesters |
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|- |
|- |
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! 2001-02 |
! [[2001–02 ISL season|2001-02]] |
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| Belfast Giants |
| Belfast Giants |
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| Ayr Scottish Eagles |
| Ayr Scottish Eagles |
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| Line 309: | Line 281: | ||
| — |
| — |
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|- |
|- |
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! 2002-03 |
! [[2002–03 ISL season|2002-03]] |
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| Sheffield Steelers |
| Sheffield Steelers |
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| Belfast Giants |
| Belfast Giants |
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| Line 321: | Line 293: | ||
==Criticism== |
==Criticism== |
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There were two main areas of criticism of the Superleague. It was widely regarded that the league was too reliant on imported players, illustrated by the participation of only four British trained players in the 2003 season.<ref name="bbc1">{{cite news| author = BBC | title = GB coach sees bleak future | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/2699535.stm | |
There were two main areas of criticism of the Superleague. It was widely regarded that the league was too reliant on imported players, illustrated by the participation of only four British trained players in the 2003 season.<ref name="bbc1">{{cite news| author = BBC | title = GB coach sees bleak future | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/2699535.stm | access-date = 2011-11-19 | publisher = BBC News | date=2003-01-27}}</ref> The financial situation of the league was unsustainable partly due to a high salary cap at £400k. Smaller teams such as Bracknell couldn't compete with the larger arena teams who had higher revenues.<ref name="bbc2">{{cite news| author = BBC | title = Fear over ice hockey league | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/2546199.stm | access-date = 2011-11-19 | publisher = BBC News | date=2002-12-05}}</ref> |
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==Notes== |
==Notes== |
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| Line 328: | Line 300: | ||
==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[British ice hockey league champions]] |
*[[British ice hockey league champions]] |
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{{ISL_seasons}} |
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{{British ice hockey}} |
{{British ice hockey}} |
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[[Category:Ice Hockey Superleague| |
[[Category:Ice Hockey Superleague| ]] |
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[[Category:Defunct ice hockey leagues in the United Kingdom|1]] |
[[Category:Defunct ice hockey leagues in the United Kingdom|1]] |
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[[Category:Sports leagues established in 1996]] |
[[Category:Sports leagues established in 1996]] |
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[[Category:1996 establishments in the United Kingdom]] |
[[Category:1996 establishments in the United Kingdom]] |
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[[Category:2003 disestablishments]] |
[[Category:2003 disestablishments in the United Kingdom]] |
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[[Category:Defunct multi-national ice hockey leagues in Europe]] |
[[Category:Defunct multi-national ice hockey leagues in Europe]] |
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Latest revision as of 22:47, 1 May 2024
| Countries | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Federation(s) | IIHF |
| Founded | November 1995 |
| First season | 1996–97 |
| Folded | 2002–03 |
| No. of teams | 9 (peak figure) |
| Feeder League(s) | British National League |
| Championship | Superleague trophy |
| Associated Title(s) | British Championship Express Cup Benson & Hedges Cup |
| Recent Champions | Sheffield Steelers (2002-03) |
| Most successful club | Sheffield Steelers 2 times winners |
| Website | www.iceweb.co.uk |
The British Ice Hockey Superleague (BISL, also known as the Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague from 1998 to 1999 for sponsorship reasons) was a professional ice hockey league in the United Kingdom between 1996 and 2003. Devised in 1995, it replaced the premier division of the British Hockey League at the end of 1995–1996 season; following the major reshuffle of the league and the split between the first and second tier divisions; with the British National League becoming the new second tier division. It was disbanded after the 2002-03 season and replaced by the Elite Ice Hockey League. Unlike its North American counterparts, the Superleague was not divided into conferences; teams competed in a single division.
History
[edit]The Ice Hockey Superleague Ltd was established on 1 November 1995 and held its first season in 1996-97 with eight founding clubs – Ayr Scottish Eagles, Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees, Cardiff Devils, Manchester Storm, Newcastle Cobras, Nottingham Panthers, and Sheffield Steelers.[1]
Overview
[edit]Several competitions fell under the jurisdiction of the Superleague. The Superleague ran a total of four competitions: the League, the Play-offs, the Express Cup and the Benson and Hedges Cup. The league consisted of a single division, each team playing three home games and three away games against the other teams in the league. Two points were awarded for a win and one point for an overtime defeat. Overtime consisted of 10 minutes of sudden death. The team that had most points after all fixtures were completed were declared Superleague champions.[2]
After the regular season was complete, the teams would be entered into the play-offs, the winner of which won the British Championship.[3] The teams were entered into two groups, Group A and Group B, each team playing three home games and three away games against the other teams in the group. Two points were awarded for a win and one point for an overtime defeat. Overtime consisted of 10 minutes of sudden death. The top two teams in each group qualified for the semi-finals, which were straight knockout matches. Both the semi-finals and final took place over the course of a weekend.[3]
The Superleague was governed by a board of directors who were the owners of the participating teams with Martin Weddell as chairman. The chief executive Ian Taylor from 1996 to 1902 was replaced by the league's former secretary, Brian Storey in what would be the league's final season of 2003.[4] A system of promotion and relegation was not operated by the Superleague; teams entered the league on the basis of a decision by the board of directors, however the British National league was regarded as the league below the level of the Superleague.[citation needed]
Trophy
[edit]The trophy that was awarded to the winners of the superleague, was called the Ice hockey superleague trophy. It was a silver replica of a George III Monteith Bowl. In the inaugural season, the trophy was taken around the arenas of the superleague teams and publicly displayed on the following dates:[5]
- 21 September 1996 – Bracknell
- 22 September 1996 – Cardiff
- 1 October 1996 – Nottingham
- 5 October 1996 – Sheffield
- 10 October 1996 – Newcastle
- 10 November 1996 – Ayr
- 17 November 1996 – Manchester
- 23 November 1996 – Basingstoke
The trophy itself resembled a Monteith bowl used to cool wine (or punch) glasses that are suspended by their feet through the scallop-edged rim of the bowl. The bowl itself was made of silver, was 14 inches in diameter and 12 inches tall with a mahogany plinth.[5]
Locations of the Superleague teams
Sekonda sponsorship
[edit]In 1998, the Superleague secured a major sponsorship deal with Sekonda. Sekonda remained the title sponsor until 2002, during which time the league was known as the Sekonda Ice Hockey Superleague. During this time, the man of the match awards were presented with a Sekonda watch.
Each month one of the man of the match winners would be selected as the Sekonda Face to Watch. At the end of each season the Sekonda Superleague Player of the Year would be selected from the Sekonda Face to Watch winners by a panel of journalists — except for the season 2001-02 when Sekonda's sponsorship finished part way through the season.[6]
| Year | October | November | December | January | February | March |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1998-99 | Greg Hadden | Kip Noble | Frank Pietrangelo | Paul Adey | Grant Sjerven | Shayne McCosh |
| 1999-00 | Ed Courtenay | Mark Cavallin | Tony Hand | Steve Thornton | Rob Stewart | Jimmy Hibbert |
| 2000-01 | Trevor Robins | Tony Hand | Stevie Lyle | Shayne McCosh | David Longstaff | Joe Cardarelli |
| 2001-02 | Mark Cadotte | Colin Ward | Scott Allison | — | — | — |
(names in bold won the Sekonda Superleague Player of the Year award)
Collapse
[edit]Cardiff Devils and Newcastle Jesters pulled out of the league in 2001, reducing the membership of the Superleague to seven clubs.[7][8] Then, Manchester Storm and Scottish Eagles both folded within a week of one another during the early stages of the 2002-03 season, leaving just five teams remaining.[9] To make matters worse, in December 2002 Bracknell Bees announced their intention to resign from the league to join the BNL at the end of the season, and uncertainty arose surrounding the future of London Knights and their London Arena home at this time; which ultimately led to the Knights folding in 2003. Owing a large debt to Ice Hockey UK and facing the prospect of having only three member clubs, the Superleague placed itself into liquidation on 30 April 2003.[10]
Elite ice hockey league
[edit]The Elite Ice Hockey League was formed by the remaining three clubs (Belfast Giants, Nottingham Panthers, and Sheffield Steelers) and played their first season on 12 September 2003. The Elite league is seen as the successor league to the Ice Hockey Superleague.[10]
Participating clubs
[edit]The superleague was formed with eight founding clubs, with nine participating at any one time at its peak. Ten clubs have played in the Superleague.
| Club | Founded | City | Arena(s) | Capacity | Years in BISL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Ayr Scottish Eagles*
|
1996 | Ayr Ayrshire |
Centrum Arena Braehead Arena |
2,733 4,000 |
1996–2003† |
 Basingstoke Bison*
|
1988 | Basingstoke | Planet Ice Silverdome | 2,000 | 1996–1998 |
 Belfast Giants
|
2000 | Belfast | SSE Arena Belfast | 8,300 | 2000–2003 |
| Bracknell Bees*
|
1987 | Bracknell | John Nike Leisuresport Complex | 2,400 | 1996–2003 |
 Cardiff Devils*
|
1986 | Cardiff | Wales National Ice Rink | 2,500 | 1996–2001 |
| London Knights
|
1998 | London | London Arena | 12,500 | 1998–2003 |
| Manchester Storm*
|
1995 | Manchester | Manchester Arena | 17,245 | 1996–2002† |
| Newcastle Jesters*
|
1996 | Newcastle upon Tyne | Utilita Arena Newcastle | 4,500 | 1996–2001 |
| Nottingham Panthers*
|
1946 | Nottingham | National Ice Centre | 10,000 | 1996–2003 |
| Sheffield Steelers*
|
1991 | Sheffield | Utilita Arena Sheffield | 8,500 | 1996–2003 |
* Denotes founding member
† Club folded in the 2002–03 season.
Champions
[edit]| Season | League | Play-Offs | Challenge Cup | Benson & Hedges Cup | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Champions | Runners-Up | Champions | Runners-Up | Winners | Runners-Up | Winners | Runners-Up | |
| 1996-97 | Cardiff Devils | Sheffield Steelers | Sheffield Steelers | Nottingham Panthers | — | — | Nottingham Panthers | Ayr Scottish Eagles |
| 1997-98 | Ayr Scottish Eagles | Manchester Storm | Ayr Scottish Eagles | Cardiff Devils | Ayr Scottish Eagles | Bracknell Bees | Ayr Scottish Eagles | Cardiff Devils |
| 1998-99 | Manchester Storm | Cardiff Devils | Cardiff Devils | Nottingham Panthers | Sheffield Steelers | Nottingham Panthers | Nottingham Panthers | Ayr Scottish Eagles |
| 1999-00 | Bracknell Bees | Sheffield Steelers | London Knights | Newcastle Jesters | Sheffield Steelers | Nottingham Panthers | Manchester Storm | London Knights |
| 2000-01 | Sheffield Steelers | Cardiff Devils | Sheffield Steelers | London Knights | Sheffield Steelers | Ayr Scottish Eagles | Sheffield Steelers | Newcastle Jesters |
| 2001-02 | Belfast Giants | Ayr Scottish Eagles | Sheffield Steelers | Manchester Storm | Ayr Scottish Eagles | Belfast Giants | — | — |
| 2002-03 | Sheffield Steelers | Belfast Giants | Belfast Giants | London Knights | Sheffield Steelers | Nottingham Panthers | — | — |
Criticism
[edit]There were two main areas of criticism of the Superleague. It was widely regarded that the league was too reliant on imported players, illustrated by the participation of only four British trained players in the 2003 season.[11] The financial situation of the league was unsustainable partly due to a high salary cap at £400k. Smaller teams such as Bracknell couldn't compete with the larger arena teams who had higher revenues.[12]
Notes
[edit]- ^ Centrum Area Match Programme (17.10.1996). Ayr Scottish Eagles v Manchester Storm, p14
- ^ Centrum Area Match Programme (17.10.1996). Ayr Scottish Eagles v Manchester Storm, p18
- ^ a b Centrum Area Match Programme (12.03.1997). Ayr Scottish Eagles v Manchester Storm, p14
- ^ BBC News (2002-04-30). "Change at the top for Superleague". BBC. Retrieved 2011-11-19.
- ^ a b Centrum Area Match Programme (17.10.1996). Ayr Scottish Eagles v Manchester Storm, p4
- ^ AZHockey (2008-12-19). "Sekonda Superleague Player of the Year". azhockey.com. Archived from the original on 2009-08-28. Retrieved 2011-11-19.
- ^ BBC News (2001-05-09). "Cardiff loses Superleague status". BBC. Retrieved 2011-11-19.
- ^ SportBusiness (2001-10-18). "Newcastle Jesters face expulsion". sportbusiness.com. Retrieved 2011-11-19.
{{cite news}}:|author=has generic name (help) - ^ BBC (2002-11-14). "Eagles forced out". bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2006-07-02.
- ^ a b BBC (2003-05-31). "Elite League "will go ahead"". BBC News. Retrieved 2006-07-02.
- ^ BBC (2003-01-27). "GB coach sees bleak future". BBC News. Retrieved 2011-11-19.
- ^ BBC (2002-12-05). "Fear over ice hockey league". BBC News. Retrieved 2011-11-19.
