Belfast Giants, a new team formed in Northern Ireland, were granted a franchise, although they did not take part in the Benson & Hedges Cup.
The Newcastle franchise was sold to Harry Harkimo, co-owner of Jokerit who play in the Finnish SM-liiga, and their name was changed to the Newcastle Jesters (Jokerit being Finnish for Jester).
However, the win was marred by the club being found guilty by the league for breaking the £450,000 wage cap[1] and going into liquidation at the end of the season.
The winners of the challenge rounds entered the quarter-finals with the top three teams from each ISL group.
The top two teams from each playoff group qualified for the finals weekend.