By Stuart Hughes BBC Sport Online

Bracknell Bees owner John Nike has explained his reasons for taking the club out of the Ice Hockey Superleague at the end of the season.

Bracknell plan to join the Findus British National League at the start of the 2003 campaign.

Nike, one of the founders of the ISL, says his club, which plays in a 3,000-seater rink, cannot compete financially with larger arena-based outfits.

In a statement, the club said the move to the FBNL had been decided "after a long period of soul searching" and following discussions on the future of the league at the last ISL board meeting.

"John Nike had hoped that a merger could be formed between the ISL and the FBNL that would allow both leagues to exist," said the statement.

"A proposal of playing up and down between the leagues was being considered but a resistance to this by certain arena clubs has now left nowhere to go other than to join the FBNL.

"Bracknell cannot compete with the arena clubs who need to market strongly to fill the thousands of seats available to spectators."

Ahearne schedule

Under the current structure, Bracknell's decision to switch leagues would leave the Superleague with just four clubs, following the collapse of Manchester Storm and Scottish Eagles.

Bracknell will, however, be taking part in the Ahearne Trophy competition, which this season will pit British clubs against opponents from Norway.

The five ISL clubs will be joined by FBNL outfit Coventry Blaze, who also competed in the Challenge Cup.

"The inclusion of the Norwegian clubs is especially welcome given the close ties between our countries," said ISL chief administration officer, Brian Storey.

Britain will be hoping to clinch the trophy this time around after losing out in last February's tournament to clubs from the German DEL.

Ahearne Trophy schedule
All times GMT

1 Feb (1900) Nottingham v Lillehammer IK
2 Feb (1830) Sheffield v Lillehammer IK
5 Feb (1930) Coventry v Trondheim Black Panthers
7 Feb (1900) Belfast v Trondheim Black Panthers
7 Feb (1900) London v Storhamar Dragons
8 Feb (1900) Sheffield v Storhamar Dragons
8 Feb (1900) Belfast v Frisk/Asker Tigers
8 Feb (1800) Bracknell v Valerengen Vikings
9 Feb (1800) Bracknell v Frisk/Asker Tigers
9 Feb (1900) London v Valerengen Vikings