Newcastle Jesters

The Newcastle Jesters were an ice hockey franchise based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. The team were members of the Ice Hockey Superleague and played their home games at the Telewest Arena (now the Metro Radio Arena).

The name 'Jesters' was the last of three used by the club during its five year existence. The franchise was initially known as the Newcastle Cobras between 1996 and 1998. The team was then known as the Newcastle Riverkings for two seasons between 1998 and 2000 before it assumed its final name for the 2000–01 season.

During the summer of 2001 it was revealed that the Jesters owed unpaid wages to their playing squad and an embargo was placed on the club until a financial settlement was made. When no agreement had been reached two months into the season the Superleague opted to shut down the franchise.

Hockey returned to the area with the Newcastle Vipers who joined the British National League in 2002 and then became members of the Elite Ice Hockey League. The Vipers though would fold in 2011.