1996–97 ISL season

The 1996–97 Ice Hockey Superleague season was the inaugural season of the Ice Hockey Superleague (ISL).

The league was formed by the owners of the Ayr Scottish Eagles, Basingstoke Bison, Bracknell Bees, Cardiff Devils, Manchester Storm, Newcastle Cobras, Nottingham Panthers and Sheffield Steelers. Ayr was the only new team with the rest of the teams having left the British Hockey League.

League
Each team played three home games and three away games against each of their opponents. All eight teams were entered into the playoffs.

Playoffs
All eight teams in the league took part in the playoffs. Group A consisted of Ayr, Cardiff, Manchester and Newcastle while Group B consisted of Basingstoke, Bracknell, Nottingham and Sheffield. The top two teams from each playoff group qualified for the playoff weekend at Nynex Arena.

Semi Finals
The finals weekend took place at Nynex Arena in Manchester.

Winner A vs Runner-Up B
 * Cardiff Devils 2-5 Sheffield Steelers

Winner B vs Runner-Up A
 * Nottingham Panthers 6-5 Ayr Scottish Eagles (after overtime)

Final
Winner A vs Winner B
 * Sheffield Steelers 3-1 Nottingham Panthers