Manchester Storm were forced to drop out of the Superleague in November due to financial problems.
But Manchester has today (Thursday) been confirmed as one of five teams, along with Sheffield Steelers, Belfast Giants, London Knights and Nottingham Panthers, who will compete in a new Ice Hockey Elite League for 2003/04.
And five more clubs are thought to be close to signing up for the new look structure, with Cardiff Devils, Coventry Blaze and Basingstoke Bison among those thought to be interested.
A league statement read: 'The important decision to create this new league has been taken with the best interests of ice hockey in the UK in mind, from grass roots right through to the professional game.
More UK players
'The Ice Hockey Elite League will have a commitment to greater involvement of UK players and greater governance of financial matters than may have existed in senior league formats.
'Fundamental to the establishment of this exciting new venture is the cornerstone of involving and empowering UK-born and trained players performing at the highest level possible in this country.
'The league expects, based on current estimates, to feature around 50 British players during its first season, with the stated intention for this figure to increase, incrementally, year on year.
'Another key aspect of the new league will be a wage cap, which has already been provisionally agreed, at a level which is deemed realistic and affordable by all clubs.'
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