Ice Hockey: Bees set to quit league

The Superleague has suffered another blow after Bracknell Bees announced that they are quitting the top flight at the end of the season.

Manchester Storm and Scottish Eagles have already withdrawn from the league, leaving it with just five teams. Now John Nike, Bracknell's owner, has announced that he will put his team in the Findus British National League for the start of the 2003-04 campaign.

Brian Storey, a league administration, said: "[Nike] has tendered his resignation. He has until March 31 2003 to decide whether to take that forward and I anticipate him doing so."

Though the league will be left with only Belfast Giants, Sheffield Steelers, Nottingham Panthers and London Knights, there are hopes that Storm and Eagles could rejoin next season.