A number of teams in the NIHL North Division 2 will take part in a Challenge Cup this season.

The five-team competition will be sponsored by Teesside-based hockey store HockeyHound.co.uk and will feature Billingham Buccaneers, Sutton Sting, Sheffield Titans, Bradford Bulldogs and Altrincham Aces.

Teams will play each other once only, so each side will get two home and two away games. Fixtures for the Hockey Hound Challenge Cup will be confirmed in due course.

NIHL GM Haydn Hunter said: “At the league meeting during the summer, a number of clubs had additional ice slots and were interested in a Challenge Cup competition.

“We are grateful to Hockey Hound for their support once again of the NIHL and its clubs.”