Chief Executive Martin Weddell after commenting on the less than 100% performance of some members of the Bees squad stated: "If things don't improve then some players will have more and more draconian action taken against them. Certainly before next season there will be wholesale changes and without threatening, no one's job in the team is safe. It is up to the players to show what they are clearly capable and play to their full potential. Previously getting into second place in the league shows they can do it if they so wish. Any player who is not totally committed to the team effort will find themselves out of the squad.

The Superleague has already received provisional expressions of interest for the Franchise from some parties. These, and any new parties, will be treated on an equitable basis and will be required to progress a full and comprehensive due diligence process with the Company Solicitors.

Prospective Owners will be required to demonstrate their commitment to the financial stability of the club on a long-term basis. There is great potential for the franchise to thrive in the Newcastle area. Fans in the North-East are very loyal and passionate, and the area could again become the great ice hockey hot-bed it once was.

All parties who file an expression of interest will be required to demonstrate not only their financial suitability and financial credibility but also a full business and marketing plan for the development of the club, ice hockey in general and long-term stability for the fans.

Designed to strengthen the national teams and to provide good competition, Austria, Belarus, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, the Ukraine and the Netherlands by have agreed to hold 3 tournaments which will take place during the IIHF National breaks in August, November, December and February each year. Great Britain will travel to Hungary in November, the Ukraine in December and Austria in February 2003.

Forwards : Paul Berrington, Rick Brebant, David Clarke, Nick Cross, Mike Ellis, Tony Hand, David Longstaff , Darren Hurley, Colin Shields, Steve Thornton, Tom Watkins, Jonathan Weaver, Ashley Tait, Gary Wishart, Michael Tasker, Ricky Plant Defence : Scott Campbell, Paul Dixon, Kyle Horne, Neil Liddiard, Craig Nelson, Rob Wilson, Scott Young, James Manson, Rick Strachan Goal Tenders : Stevie Lyle, Stephen Murphy, Joe Watkins

Game Schedule in Hungary :
14th April Sunday 16.30hrs Great Britain v Denmark
15th April Monday 20.00hrs Great Britain v Hungary
17th April Wednesday 16.30hrs Romania v Great Britain
19th April Friday 13.00hrs China v Great Britain
20th April Saturday 13.00hrs Norway v Great Britain

Chris McSorley, speaking from Geneva, said 'The team that myself and Paul (Thompson) have put together is a mixture of experience and youth. We are more than confident that the journey we all started last April to reach the 2006 Winter Olympics will be within our grasp come 20th April 2002. Unfortunately we cannot take all the guys but we have had to put together a sizeable squad due to the possibility of injury, we must not forget there are still a large number of playoff games before April.�

John Bailey - GB Teams Executive Manager said �We have the squad that will take us closer to the 2006 Winter Olympics. Everyone involved in this programme is dedicated to ensuring that we reach that goal, obviously if we had funding our preparations could be better but we will be there have no fear of that. Bailey went on to acknowledge the support from the GB Supporters club, the IHPA and Ice Hockey UK plus all the member associations.

Paul Kariya and Jarome Iginla scored less than four minutes apart in the first period as Canada seized the lead after falling behind 1-0 to a breakaway goal from Tony Amonte. Brian Rafalski tied it in the second period after the Americans killed off a two-man advantage, but Canada regained the lead 3-2 on Joe Sakic's powerplay goal later in the period. In the third, Iginla scored with just under four minutes left to increase Canada's lead before Joe Sakic added a breakaway goal of his own for his second goal of the game.

Home Ice Advantage?
Maybe Canada won the gold because the Americans really didn't have the home-ice advantage.s the Edmonton Oilers' ice specialists made the surface at the E-Center rink, they sank a loonie -- a golden Canadian dollar coin -- into it for good luck. "I dug it up and we're going to give it to the Hockey Hall of Fame," Team Canada executive director Wayne Gretzky said.

Olympic All-Star Team
Team USA might have lost the gold medal game, but they dominated the tournament's All-Star team.

The Americans placed four players -- goalie Mike Richter, defensemen Brian Leetch and Chris Chelios and forward John LeClair on the six-man squad. Canadian forward Joe Sakic, the tournament's MVP, and Sweden's Mats Sundin were the only non-Americans to make the cut.

Belarus were holding Russia to a 2-2 tie until early in the second period before Russia made it 4-2 thanks to goals from Oleg Tverdovsky and Pavel Datsyuk scored 23 seconds apart. Russia then blew Belarus away with goals from Darius Kasparaitis, Pavel Bure and Maxim Afinogenov. Russia's downfall has been goal scoring, during these Olympics Russia has scored 13 of its 19 goals during its two games against Belarus.

The USA beat Russia 3-2, thanks to 3 powerplays goals from Bill Guerin (Boston Bruins), Scott Young (St. Louis Blues) and Phil Housley (Chicago Blackhawks) which gave the USA a three goal lead going into the third period but the Russian hit back with goals from Kovalev and Malakhov but it wasn't enough as the Team USA held on for Victory and a place in the Olympic final.

Canada meanwhile had the easier passage to the final beating surprise semi-finalist Belarus who shocked Sweden in the previous round. Canada progress thanks to a 7-1 scoreline, goalscorers for Canada were Steve Yzerman (Detroit RedWings), Eric Brewer (Edmonton Oilers), Scott Niedermayer (New Jersey Devils), Paul Kariya (Mighty Ducks), Simon Gagne (Philadelphia Flyers), Eric Lindros (New York Rangers) and Jerome Iginla (Calgary Flames).

The surprise of the day, however, was Belarus eliminating Sweden 4-3, an upset on par with the U.S. victory over the USSR in 1980. Belarus will face Canada who knocked out Finland 2-1 thanks to goals from Joe Sakic and Steve Yzerman.

"I am fairly confident that the Superleague will see a greater variety in the not-too-distant future and we are working hard to achieve that and in the next few years or so, there will be a couple of clubs from major cities involved and one or two others have been showing an interest. We have to be patient but I am still very confident that, in the long term, the Superleague will become one of the most successful leagues in Europe.

The U.S. finished atop its pool and will face Germany, Sweden was a surprising 3-0 in round-robin play and will face Belarus. Canada, coming off a thrilling 3-3 tie with the Czech Republic, faces Finland. But perhaps the most intriguing quarterfinal pits defending gold medalist Czech Republic against the team they beat in the 1998 final, Russia.

Superleague�s Media Manager, Alyson Pollard, said. �The Tournament was a huge success for everyone involved, and we�ve received wonderful news that the DEL have confirmed they wish to compete for the Ahearne Trophy again next season. They had a wonderful time and are looking forward to defending their title.

�In the Ahearne Trophy, we were treated to classy, free-flowing hockey of the standard we don�t get to see every week, and with an awesome atmosphere at most games, our own fans, and the very noisy DEL supporters, will not have been disappointed. Also, with the Superleague teams more than holding their own, it just goes to show that the gulf between our two league�s isn�t as wide as everyone imagined. We�re thrilled that we�ll be seeing more of the same next season.�

And if lowly Germany could inspire the tentative, inconsistent performance given by Canada Sunday night, just wait until the Canadians see Dominik Hasek staring at them from the opposite goal crease. Joe Sakic scored midway through the second period as Canada struggled to a 3-2 victory over Germany, getting its second troubling performance from a star-laden roster that shows no signs of the cohesiveness necessary to win the tournament.

Knights 3 Schwenningen 3
London Knights drew 3-3 with Schwenningen to remain unbeaten (1 win, 1 tie) in the Ahearne Trophy. Mark Kolesar was the hero for London scoring twice in a free flowing entertaining contest well controlled by Sven Bergman. Crowd boosted by a large contingent of Wings fans plus many Steelers rooting for Kent Simpson. Knights missing Roenick, Struch and Clarke. Two early breakaways saw Knights nearly score as Barrie and Amodeo were foiled by Gordon. A Bullard slapshot was sent wide at 8.30. Knights opened the scoring with a half volley from Kolesar beating the keeper. Wings shot from Dubois at 18.00 was sent wide by Trofimenkoff. They leveled the score with a move down the left wing that was finished off by Werenka. Second period saw Knights take the lead with a Bronilla wrist shot. London swapped goalies at 32.05 with Bailey replacing Trofimenkoff. 106 seconds from the second intermission Leslie took the puck down the right wing passing the puck back to Kolesar who scored just inside the post to the goalies right. The third period saw the Wings fight back as Bullard scored from close range. Seven minutes on Chyzowski leveled the game after a period of frantic activity infront of the Knights net. A stand up fight in the centre circle between Barrie and Duck saw both receive 5+games for fighting. In overtime neither side could side could score, Simpson for the visitors having the best of the chances.

Bees 3 Dusseldorf 4
The Bees Entertain Dusseldorf EG in the Ahearne Trophy tonight at the Hive. Dusseldorf look like a fast, slick passing team when at 03.05 Teeple slotted home to give the Germans the lead. The Bees battled on and Ftorek started a great skate up the Right hand Side of the Ice managed to lose the puck in the attacking zone turned the puck back over and found Ceman all alone in front of the net he passed to Cadotte as the Netminder was commited and Caddie just tipped it in. Ftorek had a break away at about 18 minutes as he went to pass to team mate a Dusseldorf player got back and blocked the pass. The Second period was an excellent period end to end hockey Dusseldorf playing the better game with some excellent passing plays and the Dusseldorf team punished the Bees for their indiscipline with two excellent well worked powerplay goals. The Bees pulled one back when Knox slotted home from close range. The third period the Bees knew what they had to do and came out and worked hard to try to get the result they wanted. Quintin & Hurley went toe to toe and did not want to stop at 46.29, both players received 5 + Game for fighting. The Bees tied it up at 47.23 scored by Ciccerello. Watkins got a 2 minute delay of game penalty and Dusseldorf made the Bees pay by scoring again through Kuhnhauser. A well played game for the Bees but Dusseldorf made the Bees pay.

Eagles 5 Frankfurt Lions 3
In the second game for Eagles in the Ahearne Trophy at Centrum after the first twenty minutes Eagles are 3 up. It has been pretty much one way traffic and the home deserve their lead. The opening goal came from an Ian Herbers blast from the point. They doubled their lead at 11.25 as Herbers netted his second of the game. Three minutes later Courtenay made it 3-0. With only 23 seconds of the 2nd period gone the German team pulled one back as a John Walker shot deflected off a stick and went over the head of Ryder. And despite out shooting their opponents in the period they were caught cold with 5 minutes remaining as Frankfurt made it a one goal game. With Eagles shorthanded as a result of Bristow in the bin for roughing Byram scored at 37.36. And going into the final period its 4-2 to the home side. The Lions pulled one back 11 mi9nutes into the 3rd period as Frenzel found a way past Ryder. Chances came at both ends but the goaltenders were standing firm. As we headed into the final minutes the Germans pulled the goaltender for the extra skater in the search for the goal that would level the game. But, Eagles took the opportunity of the empty net and Gordon sealed the win for the British team.

Despite the Eagles victory it wasn't enough for the ISL to take the Ahearne Trophy and at the end of the game Mr William Barr OBE presented the trophy to Mr Gernot Tripke the Chief Executive Officer of the DEL.

Current Points:- ISL 12 DEL 16.

Sheffield 4 Frankfurt 5
Sheffield missing long term injury victim Maudie, but Cal Benazic returned for his first game in 2 months after an abdominal injury. Sheffield have the better of the play but crisp finishing from the German visitors ensured their victory. Steelers off to a dream start, Mansoff's right point blast deflected home as Brebant got in front despite the attentions of the German defence. Christoph Sandner levelled the scores from an acute angle on the right wing. John Walker popped up on the left post and volleyed his own rebound home. Allison shot from the left and Benazic was twice denied as Sheffield took the game to Frankfurt. Brant started a crisp passing move and supplied the perfect finish with a bullet high to the goalie's right. Allison went close during a spell of 5 on 3 but was unable to find a way past Reddick. In the opening minute of the second period, Lauer rang the pipework from the right wing. Reddick made a point-blank save from Laniel, before a gift to Sander in front of the left post was buried high into the net. Brebant levelled with a low shot from the right wing across Reddick, before Benazic and Ricciardi clashed at the Steelers bench. Rob Pearson in front of the left post finished a slick passing move and when Fraser buried the rebound from Pearson's left wing shot put Sheffield were left with a mountain to climb. Steelers lifted Bach with 63 seconds remaining for a 6 on 4 play and Brant netted close-in in a scramble. With Bach lifted again, Lipsett almost tied the game with 11 seconds left at the left post, but Reddick saved the day for Frankfurt.

Bracknell 2 Schwenningen 4
Fantastic return to UK ice for Neal Martin as he chalked up 1 goal and 2 assists at The Hive tonight in an exciting and eventful match. The Bees were looking to make a fresh start and break their 12 game losing steak. An evenly matched first period with both teams skating and playing well. Both Schwenningen and Bracknell had some excellent opportunities to score but good golatending from both ends made it hard for either side to get on the scoresheet. At 11:02, outstanding stickhandling from Ftorek and Ceman saw Ftorek one-on-one with the goalie yet failing to find the net. Thirty seconds later, while on a PP, Bees constant attacking paid off as they went 1 - 0 up thanks to Scott. At 14:40 Matier and Chyzowski had minor fisticuffs but this led to a massive bench clearance seeing 4 players ejected (3 with Match Penalties and 1 with a Game) while Scott served out a 2+2 for roughing. Considering this is a friendly competition, watching fans looked on in amazement! Two minutes into the second period, the Bees were 3 on 4 down and the Wild Wings took full advantage, scoring at 22:14 by a Neal Martin slapshot assisted by Deleurme. The second half of the period, Bracknell began to pull out all the stops and start to dominate and constantly attack. Early in the third, whilst Ceman sat out a 2 minute minor for Holding the stick, Schwenningan took every opportunity and finally scored at 46:04 by Stramkowsi assisted by Deleurme and Martin equalised at 49:49 thanks to Ftorek.With Schwenningen having the 5 on 3 advantage, they made it count with a goal at 53:21 scored by Deleurme assisted by Martin. Watkins was pulled at 1 minute to go for an extra attacker but Schwenningen found the empty net and scored at 59:42.

Ayr 2 Eisbaren Berlin 2
An end to end game of hockey and despite Eagles being out shot 2-1, they opened the scoring with a well worked goal at 15.47, a cross ice pass from Courtenay finding Molin sneak in at the back post to beat Jonas in the visitors goal. However, the lead was short-lived as 20 seconds later the Germans were level. As the puck found its way into the Eagles zone, Levins was on hand just outside the crease to poke it past Gage. Chances at both ends as both teams looked for the go ahead goal. But despite some near misses, neither team could find the net. Both goaltenders came up with the big saves at the crucial time. Eisbaeren�s Cooper was unlucky not to score in the 32nd minute as his shot came back off the post. It took Eagles just over six minutes of the third period to go in front for the second time. But as in the first period, they failed to hold onto the lead for long. Before it was 20 seconds, this time it was a minute longer prior to them conceding as Larouche levelled it at 2 apiece. Both teams had chances to win it but the game had Overtime written all over it and that turned out to be the case. Still nothing to separate the teams in the overtime period as they went all out for the winner. There was no stoppage of play in the overtime period but it wasn't to be and the honours were shared.

Current Points:- ISL 8 DEL 12.

In the other the game the London Knights beat the Hannover Scorpions 3-1. Scorpions took the lead early as Zetterberg scored past Trofimenkoff in a first period that can only be described as "laid back". However, the Knights upped the tempo in the second peppering the Scorpions net with 17 shots. Greg Burke opened his account and tied the score at 26.51 with a shot going under the Scorpions keeper. Scott Bailey made his home debut as he replaced Trofimenkoff half way through the period. A Donovan shot at 38.20 hit the underside of the goal crossbar and the Scorpions almost scored on a one on one as Haas was foiled by Bailey as the period came to an end. The third period saw London take the lead on a power play as a Mansi pass beat the keeper who was left grounded, leaving Amodeo to sweep the puck home. Hannover called a timeout at 47.36 and then pulled the goalie with one minute remaining. Ian McIntyre took the puck down the right wing and shot from the blue line into the empty net for London�s third. The shots on goal show how much the Knights dominated the play this evening - London 41, Hannover 21.

Current Points:- ISL 5 DEL 7.

A noisy contingent of Oberhausen fans turned up at The House of Steel to watch their former player Jeff Sebastian and to see their team beat the Steelers 5-3. Sheffield edged the first yet trailed at the first interval, thanks to a lucky bounce and one defensive lapse. Sheffield took the game to Oberhausen in the second, the visitors spending long spells defending resolutely with netminder Scnelle performing acrobatic stops. Sheffield bagged 2 screened goals, a wicked deflection from an Oberhausen defenceman helping Kruse's right wing shot on its way. Arvaja netted in a scramble to tie the scores before Schnelle stretched to his right to turn away a first-time shot from a disbelieving Kruse. Two quick breakouts sealed the win as Oberhausen had the better of the final session.

Current Points:- ISL 3 DEL 5.

Despite planning broadcast schedules many months in advance, the BBC has made significant efforts to accommodate the prestigious Challenge Cup Final. The Belfast Giants vs Ayr Scottish Eagles clash will be shown by BBC Grandstand, BBC Northern Ireland and BBC Scotland.

It will be a welcome return of Superleague hockey on the box for many fans who just want to see a cracking game of hockey on terrestrial TV. The marquee Sunday Sports Show, BBC Grandstand, will visit the Final during the course of its normal programming, but will then extend the whole of Grandstand for forty minutes to allow for a full review of the events of the match.

The Superleague will make further announcements regarding TV exposure in the coming weeks.

Current Points:- ISL 1 DEL 3

Cowan went public with his plans after the owners of Altrincham ice rink (Greater Manchester's only ice rink) announced their plans to sell the land to a housing company. Speaking to Manchester Online Cowan said that his plans for the Storm have always been to build a new arena, and that, after costing the project and sorting out the funding, that the rink should hopefully be open in 18 months to two years.

This will be a fantastic boost to the area for skaters and hockey enthusiasts, and the rink is bound to be a success, as the nearest rink is in Blackburn, which is 40 miles away from Altrincham.

The 27-year-old Boh erupted in two wins at Anchorage last week, scoring three goals and assisting on three others. Boh had a goal and three assists Tuesday as the Gold Kings held off the Aces. He scored twice the following night, including the game-winner, as Colorado completed its sweep of Anchorage by a score of 5-4. Boh added an assist on the game-winner Saturday night as the Gold Kings polished off a 3-0 road trip with an 8-5 triumph at Tacoma.

Colorado marks Boh's 16th stop over the course of his professional career, which began in 1993 after he was selected in the 11th round of the 1992 NHL Draft by the Vancouver Canucks. He ranks second only to teammate Mike Garrow (currently with the Utah Grizzlies in the AHL) among WCHL defensemen with 12 goals and has scored seven goals and nine assists in his last 11 games.

Cowan, who took over the club this summer, was expecting the league to have nine clubs but due to Cardiff and Newcastle dropping out has said "this has been the hardest possible season in which to take over the operation of a franchise".

Although he is committed to the club and the superleague for the 2002-03 season, he has said "A lot however depends upon the fans and their support or lack of it will determine whether I will be here from the end of next season".

Mike was the league�s top puck-stopper for the month of January, with an amazing goals against average of 1.00 and a save percentage of 96.8 from the 3 games he played in. However, it wasn�t just in January that Mike shone; the 30 year-old from Prince Albert in Saskatoon, has impressed throughout the season and has caught the eye of the selection panel virtually every month of the season.

Mike will be rewarded for his efforts with the January Face to Watch title, alongside a gift from Sekonda, and takes one of the six places available in the running for the Sekonda Player of the Season Award.

This will mean:
* There will be no 5 minute penalty for Fighting. This will revert to IIHF Rules.
* There will be no �Touch Icing.� This will revert to �Line Icing� as per IIHF Rules.
* At the end of each game, if scores are tied then 5 minutes of overtime will be played. This will be with a playing strength of 5 on 5 if no penalties are being served at the end of regulation time. If the game is still tied at the end of overtime, then the score remains.
* In the event of a tie on accrued points at the end of the Competition, a penalty shot competition will take place in a designated final game, to decide the overall winner of the �Ahearne Trophy.�

Superleague Officials Manager, Andy French, said. �The DEL teams currently play under IIHF Rules. When teams come to the UK from another country, we must adapt to IIHF Rules to ensure everyone is on the same page. It involves only minimal changes, but makes things easier and avoids confusion.�

Goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck agreed to terms with New Jersey Devils on Monday, ending a short retirement and giving the team a much-needed veteran backup for Martin Brodeur. Devils' General manager Lou Lamoriello spoke wth Vanbiesbrouck about coming out of retirement last Tuesday, the day after the Devils fired coach Larry Robinson and hired Kevin Constantine. Vanbiesbrouck retired after the Devils lost Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals to the Colorado Avalanche.

Wayne Gretzky, Executive Director of Canada's Men's Olympic Hockey team, announced Monday that Ed Belfour will be the third goalie at the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Gretzky spoke with Belfour on Monday to inform him of the decision. "After our meetings with the coaching staff during the NHL All-Star this past weekend, we have said all along that we would clarify our goaltending situation prior to traveling to Salt Lake City," said Gretzky. "It is not that Ed isn't deserving of being there as our number 1 or 2 goalie, but we are fortunate to have three great goaltenders on Team Canada and that we wanted to clarify our goaltending situation."

In their first season with the Findus British National League, Dundee have lost only 4 League games from the 40 they have played to date, scoring a total of 261 goals. �The Stars� can also boast 3 of the League�s Top Goalscorers (Lochi, Wynne & Young) and 50% of the League�s Top Pointscorers (Hand, Wynne, Mikel, Young & Lochi). Not only have they scored the most goals, but also conceded the least too.

Stars� MD Mike Ward told us �We set out at the beginning of the season to bring back top quality hockey to the City of Discovery. What we have achieved in winning the FBNL League Title has surpassed all our expectations. This achievement is in no small measure due to the hard work of all at the club, the tremendous local public support shown towards the team, and from the backing and encouragement received from the business community within Dundee. It was always our intention to put Dundee back on the British Ice Hockey map and this is the first step in doing just that.�

The presentation of the �Findus League Shield� will be made on 24th February at the last game of the season v Edinburgh. Both officials from Findus and the League will be there to present the Findus Shield and to join in the celebrations both during and after the match.

The World All-star Goals were scored by Selanne 2 (Sharks), Nasland 2 (Canucks), Knutsen (Blue Jackets), Fedorov (Red Wings), Zhamnov (Blackhawks) and Kapanen (Hurricanes) against Roy 2 (Avalanche), Theodore 1 (Canadiens) and Burke 3 (Coyotes) plus 2 empty net goals.

The North Americans goals were scored by Damphousse (Sharks), Jovanovski (Canucks), Daze 2 (Blackhawks) and Mario Lemieux (Penguins). The goals were scored against Salo 2 (Oilers), Hasek 3 (Red Wings) while Tampa Bay netminder Khabibulin stopped 20 shots for a period shut out.

Lemieux's goal was a historic goal in the second period, netting the 13th All-Star goal of his career, tying him with Wayne Gretzky for the most career All-Star goals in NHL history.

The Munich, Germany based arbitrator ruled that the IIHF By-law 204 is applicable to the issue regarding Mr. Nabokov. The by-law states that "Once a player has represented a country in any IIHF championship or in the Olympic competition or in the qualification to these competitions he will not be eligible to represent another country"

Nabokov represented and played for for his native Kazakhstan in the 1994 IIHF World Championship. The Russian Olympic Committee appealed to CAS in order to make Nabokov eligible to play for Russia in Salt Lake City.

The remaining goaltender spot on the Olympic roster will probably be taken by Maxim Sokolov, who played for Russia in the last IIHF World Championships in Germany. The two already selected goaltenders are Nikolai Khabibulin (Tampa Bay) and Egor Podomatsky (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl).

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