19 teams participated in the regular season, and the Detroit Vipers won the Turner Cup.
The Peoria Rivermen organization left the IHL and joined the ECHL.
The Minnesota Moose were purchased by a group by Canadian businessmen and relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba to become the Manitoba Moose to provide a new tenant at Winnipeg Arena and keeping pro hockey in the city.
The Los Angeles Ice Dogs relocated to Long Beach retaining the same name due to poor attendance.
The San Francisco Spiders folded due to bankruptcy, low attendance, even though on weekends and holidays did very well, and issues with Cow Palace.