We are excited to confirm the make-up of the four regional National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) divisions heading into the 2025/26 season.
With the introduction of new teams, departure of old teams and movement between several of the divisions, it promises to be a season full of intrigue as the race for silverware begins.
With the structures of each division now confirmed, attention will turn to the all-important 2025/26 season fixture release.
Below is a breakdown of the four divisions.
NIHL 1 North
After securing four trophies last season, including a memorable national playoff triumph, Billingham Stars will be the team to beat in a new-look NIHL 1 North.
Heading into 2025/26, they will be joined in the division by another trophy-laden team as Telford Tigers’ NIHL 2 team make the jump from the tier below.
The Tigers NIHL 2 team completed a memorable treble by winning the league title, playoffs and Laidler Cup last season, losing just one of their 26 regular season league fixtures en route to silverware.
There will remain 10 teams in the NIHL 1 North next season after Whitley Warriors recently confirmed their intention to join the Scottish National League (SNL) pyramid at senior level.
Full list of competing teams:
- Billingham Stars
- Blackburn Hawks
- Deeside Dragons
- Hull Jets
- Leeds Knights NIHL 1
- Nottingham Lions
- Solihull Barons
- Telford Tigers NIHL 1
- Widnes Wild
- Sheffield Scimitars
NIHL 1 South
Eight teams will compete in the NIHL 1 South next season.
Earlier this month, Oxford City Stars confirmed their wish to drop out of the league for a season, in order to transition under the Oxford Juniors Stars umbrella and provide a more comprehensive pathway from their junior setup through to senior hockey.
MK Thunder will also move from the NIHL 1 South to the NIHL 2 South.
It is hoped that more teams will join the division in the coming seasons to even up numbers, but this will not be done in time for the 2025/26 campaign.
Full list of competing teams:
- Cardiff Fire
- Chelmsford Chieftains
- Invicta Dynamos
- Romford Buccaneers
- Slough Jets
- Solent Devils
- Streatham Redhawks
- Swindon Wildcats NIHL 1
NIHL 2 North
Besides Telford Tigers’ progression to the division above, there are no further changes to the NIHL 2 North next season.
Ahead of the new season, Deeside Ducks have rebranded as Deeside Dragons NIHL 2. This change aims to align the team more closely with the Deeside Dragons’ development pathway, connecting the junior and senior teams.
In total, nine teams will compete in the division, with a new name guaranteed on the league, playoff and Laidler Cup trophies after Telford’s clean sweep last season.
Full list of competing teams:
- Altrincham Aces
- Billingham Buccaneers
- Bradford Bulldogs
- Coventry NIHL Blaze
- Deeside Dragons NIHL 2
- Kingston Sharks
- Nottingham Lions NIHL 2
- Sheffield Titans
- Sutton Sting
NIHL 2 South
There will be a new team in the NIHL 2 South next season following the admittance of Slough Spitfires.
The Spitfires will compete under the Slough Jets umbrella, reinforcing the club’s commitment to junior development and creating a clear pathway for young players progressing from junior hockey.
With MK Thunder’s move into the division, there will be 12 teams competing in the Wilkinson ranks during the 2025/26 campaign.
Full list of competing teams:
- Bristol Pitbulls NIHL 2
- Cardiff Canucks
- Chelmsford Warriors
- Guildford Phoenix
- Haringey Huskies
- Invicta Mustangs
- Lee Valley Lions
- MK Thunder
- Oxford Rising Stars
- Peterborough Phantoms NIHL 2
- Slough Spitfires
- Solent Junior Devils
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