Elite League ice hockey looks set to grow in 2017-18 with two more clubs moving up to the top tier in Britain.

Cardiff Devils are currently top of the table with Belfast Giants, Sheffield Steelers and Nottingham Panthers among those chasing hard.

Next season the 10 clubs from Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be joined by Milton Keynes Lightning.

They have already been accepted by the EIHL board, while Guildford Flames have now applied to join them.

Representatives of the Flames will attend the next board meeting to make a full presentation to the EIHL directors.

League officials would also love to attract a London-based club over the next few years.

Cardiff (Devils), Edinburgh (Capitals) and Belfast (Giants) are already represented and an Elite League team in the English capital would be ideal.