Eleven teams will begin their pursuit of silverware when the 2026/27 Planet Ice National Ice Hockey League season gets under way next weekend.
After a summer of new signings, returning favourites and changes behind the bench, competitive action begins on Friday 18 September as reigning play-off champions Leeds Knights welcome Hull Seahawks to Planet Ice Leeds.
A packed opening weekend follows, beginning a campaign in which every team will target the league title, National Cup and a place at the end-of-season Final Four.
Swindon Wildcats enter the new season as defending league champions after finishing top of the standings in 2025/26. It is also the beginning of a new era at the Link Centre, with long-serving player-coach Aaron Nell having retired from playing following last season’s success. Nell continues as Head Coach and General Manager, leading a refreshed roster which combines established Wildcats with several new arrivals.
Leeds Knights will once again expect to be among the leading contenders. Ryan Aldridge’s side finished third in last season’s league standings before producing their best hockey when it mattered, going on to lift the play-off title. Captain Kieran Brown returns to lead a familiar core as the Knights look to add more silverware to an impressive recent record.
Sheffield Steeldogs begin the campaign as National Cup holders. Head Coach Slava Koulikov has retained several important members of last season’s squad while adding further quality, including Nathan Salem, Dershahn Stewart and Owen Cole. The Steeldogs demonstrated their ability to compete for trophies last season and will be looking to challenge across all three competitions once again.
Milton Keynes Lightning have one of the most significant changes of the summer, with Pete Russell appointed as Head Coach and Director of Hockey. The vastly experienced Great Britain coach has assembled a new-look roster at Planet Ice Milton Keynes, setting up one of the most intriguing stories of the season.
Peterborough Phantoms continue under Ashley Tait and have added proven NIHL quality to their ranks. Dominik Gabaj arrives from Milton Keynes, while Ewan Hill joins from Romford and Luke Ferrara returns as part of an established core. The Phantoms begin their season with a trip to defending champions Swindon before hosting Lightning the following evening.
Bristol Pitbulls have also been busy during the off-season. Nils Maskalans, Dylan Stewart, Josh Kelly, Jasper Foster, Joshua Shaw and netminders Will Kerlin and Ben Norton are among their additions as the Pitbulls look to climb the standings and establish themselves as a consistent threat.
Basingstoke Bison begin a new chapter under Head Coach Tony Redmond. Mac Howlett, Kyle Carruth, Adam Rosbottom and Japanese forward Sota Isogai are among the new faces at Planet Ice Basingstoke, with the Bison opening their league campaign at home against Telford Tigers.
Telford will again be led by Tom Watkins, whose retained core has been strengthened by additions including Callum Field, Ronny Paragallo, Jérémy Michaud and Max Dukovac. The Tigers have the experience and continuity to make themselves a difficult opponent throughout the campaign.
Hull Seahawks, Romford Raiders and the newly formed Solway IHC complete another competitive 11-team line-up.
Hull begin with one of the toughest tests available as they travel to Leeds on the opening night, before returning to the Hull Ice Arena to face Solway on Sunday. Romford and Bristol meet in a home-and-away double-header, while Solway host Sheffield in their first league fixture under the Solway IHC name.
With three trophies available and every point important, the opening weekend offers an immediate opportunity for teams to set the tone for the months ahead.
Friday 18 September
Saturday 19 September
Sunday 20 September
Supporters can follow fixtures, results, standings and player statistics throughout the season through the Planet Ice NIHL National Game Centre.