Ice Hockey Superleague Withdraws Jesters’ Franchise

As a result of breaches of various Corporate Rules, and in particular the non-payment of hockey related debts, the Newcastle franchise has been withdrawn from the owners and all Superleague fixtures involving the Newcastle Jesters have been expunged.

The decision was made at today’s Members EGM, and was the result of a special resolutution to withdraw the Franchise which had been put forward in accordance with Superleague’s own corporates rules.

The main debts in question are to last season’s players and to other ice hockey creditors. The Jesters had been given until 17th October to discharge the debts, and having failed to do so, have paid the ultimate price with the Franchise and Share forfeited immediately.

The move was made after Superleague had exhausted all possible avenues in its efforts to keep its north east franchise alive for this season. Unfortunately, the Superleague was left with no choice but to take the
franchise back from the current owners.

Martin Weddell, ISL’s Acting Chairman, commented. ‘The ISL Board members have given Newcastle Jesters every opportunity and every assistance to rectify the matters with regard to outstanding debts, but there comes a time when the league needs to move forward and that time
has now come. The remaining clubs are strong in their resolve in developing ISL.’

For further information contact the Superleague Media Office on 01530 838899, e-mail islmedia@iceweb.co.uk, or visit our website at www.ICEweb.co.uk.