Picture by Derek Young Photography
The Scottish National League (SNL) returns with an action-packed schedule this weekend, featuring four thrilling games. These matches mark the final fixtures before Christmas, and there’s everything to play for as teams jostle for position in the standings. Let’s dive into the key matchups:
Dundee Rockets vs. Edinburgh Capitals
Saturday | Dundee Ice Arena
The first game of the weekend for the Rockets promises to be a high-stakes showdown against the Edinburgh Capitals. Both teams have been staying in hot pursuit of league leaders Aberdeen Lynx throughout the season. The Rockets and Capitals have split their two previous meetings, each claiming a victory.
For the Rockets, this game is part of a crucial doubleheader, and a potential four-point weekend would see them of securing top place. Meanwhile, the Capitals, recently overtaken by the Kirkcaldy Kestrels, know how vital these points are to remain in contention for the league’s top spot. Expect a fiercely competitive match as both teams leave it all on the ice.
North Ayrshire Wild vs. Kilmarnock Thunder
Saturday | Auchenharvie Leisure Centre
Kilmarnock Thunder head to Auchenharvie on Saturday to face North Ayrshire Wild for the third time this season. So far, Wild have come out on top in both encounters, though their last meeting was a nail-biter, with Wild securing a narrow one-goal victory.
Thunder, still searching for their first win of the season, are under pressure to break their streak. Sitting seventh in the standings, they will be looking to climb upward. Wild, currently sixth and two points behind the Paisley Pirates, will aim to maintain their dominance in this rivalry.
Aberdeen Lynx vs. Paisley Pirates
Saturday | Linx Ice Arena
The Paisley Pirates travel north to face league leaders Aberdeen Lynx in what promises to be an intense matchup. The Lynx have prevailed in both previous league games against the Pirates, including their last meeting at Braehead Arena.
Aberdeen’s offense gets a boost with the return of Gary Kelly, who made his season debut last weekend. On the other side, the Pirates have strengthened their defense with the signing of Travis Lavery, a player with both SNL and NIHL experience. The Lynx will be determined to protect their top spot, but the Pirates will look to cause an upset.
Kirkcaldy Kestrels vs. Dundee Rockets
Sunday | Fife Ice Arena
Sunday’s action sees the Dundee Rockets take on the Kirkcaldy Kestrels at the Fife Ice Arena. The Kestrels have been building momentum as the season progresses, steadily climbing the standings and earning crucial points against top teams like the Lynx and Capitals.
This will be the second meeting between these teams, with the Rockets narrowly edging out the Kestrels in overtime during their first encounter. Coming off a challenging game against Edinburgh the night before, the Rockets will need to dig deep to overcome a well-rested and confident Kestrels side. With so much at stake, this match is set to be a gripping conclusion to the weekend.
Weekend Fixtures
Don’t miss the action! Whether you’re cheering from the stands or following along from home, these games promise plenty of excitement as the SNL teams give it their all before the festive season. Stay tuned for results and updates!