The Superleague, which has already been hit by the withdrawals of Manchester Storm and Scottish Eagles, was plunged further into crisis when the Bees' owner, John Nike, announced his team will compete in the Findus British National League in the 2003/04 campaign.
This will leave only four teams in the Ice Hockey Superleague - Belfast Giants, Sheffield Steelers, Nottingham Panthers and London Knights.
However there are hopes that Manchester Storm and the Scottish Eagles will rejoin next season.
Initial talks have already taken place between the ISL and BNL to discuss the future of the sport in Britain.
ISL Administration Officer Brian Storey warned: "If we don't then we are on borrowed time. Before we know it will be January and the season will be over in three months. People need that assurance."
UK ice hockey took another savage blow after the Bracknell Bees team revealed they are quitting the Superleague at the end of the season.
