Teams play each other twice at home and twice away with the exception of Billingham Bombers who will play each team only once at home and once away for double points. All games played to a finish with 10 minutes sudden death overtime then penalty shots to decide the winner if teams are level after 60 minutes. 2 points for a win and 1 point for overtime loss. Team finishing 1st will be Northern Ice Hockey League Champions.

Team finishing 1st then plays team finishing 4th and team finishing 2nd plays team finishing 3rd in Semi-finals with the two winners playing for the title of Northern Ice Hockey League Play-off Champions.