Category: Previews

Weekend Showdown: Pirates and Kestrels Set for Unpredictable Clash, Can Wild Upset Aberdeen After Kestrels Win?

As we head into another action-packed weekend in the Scottish National League, every game matters more than ever. With the signing deadline now passed, teams must rely on their current rosters to push through the crucial final stretch of the season. Playoff spots are still up for grabs, and every point could make the difference.

This weekend, we have four key matchups across Scotland, offering fans a great opportunity to support their local teams and experience top-level competitive hockey.

🏒 Kilmarnock Thunder vs. Dundee Rockets – 5:30 PM, Galleon Centre

It’s a real David vs. Goliath matchup as the league-leading Dundee Rockets travel to face Kilmarnock Thunder. Thunder are still searching for their first win of the season, while Rockets have been near unstoppable, dropping only two games all year. The previous meetings between these teams have been one-sided in Dundee’s favour, but with Kilmarnock playing on home ice, they’ll be desperate to put in a strong performance and push the visitors to their limits.

For Rockets, this game is about maintaining their momentum and staying ahead of the chasing pack at the top of the table. They still have six league games to go, and they’ll be determined to keep their winning streak alive.

If you’re in the Kilmarnock area, go support your local team and be part of the action!

🏒 North Ayrshire Wild vs. Aberdeen Lynx – 6:30 PM, Auchenharvie Leisure Centre

This could be an interesting one following both teams’ performances last weekend. North Ayrshire Wild pulled off an impressive overtime victory against Kirkcaldy Kestrels, showing resilience and determination. Playing at home in Auchenharvie, they’ll be looking to carry that momentum forward and put in another strong performance.

For Aberdeen Lynx, results in recent weeks have seen them slip to third place after spending much of the season at the top. However, they bounced back last weekend with a solid win over Paisley Pirates, giving them a much-needed boost as they head into the final stretch of the season. With only five games left in their regular season, every point is crucial. A strong finish could still see them climb, but they can’t afford to drop games if they want to stay in the mix at the top end of the table.

Wild will be hoping to repeat their success from last weekend, but Lynx will know they need to come away with the points. Expect a fast, competitive game with both sides fired up.

🏒 Paisley Pirates vs. Kirkcaldy Kestrels – 5:00 PM, Braehead Arena

This game could be an unpredictable one. The two teams have met twice this season, with each side securing a win. Kestrels sit fourth in the standings with 22 points, while Pirates are in fifth with 13. However, Pirates still have plenty of games to play—eight remaining compared to Kestrels’ five—so every result matters as the season enters its final stretch.

Both teams will be looking to bounce back after losses last weekend, but for Kestrels, every game is crucial if they want to push past Aberdeen Lynx in the standings. Meanwhile, Pirates will be determined to put in a strong performance on home ice and build momentum for the final weeks of the season.

With both sides needing points for different reasons, this one could go right down to the wire. If you’re in the Glasgow area, Braehead Arena is the place to be on Sunday evening!

🏒 North Ayrshire Wild vs. Kilmarnock Thunder – 6.00 PM, Auchenharvie Leisure Centre

This will be the second game of the weekend for both teams after tough fixtures the night before.

It will be the third time these two teams have met in a league game this season, with Wild taking the win on both previous occasions. However, their last encounter was a tight battle, with Wild securing a narrow 4-3 victory. With both sides feeling the effects of a demanding schedule, this game could come down to endurance and discipline.


Playoff Push Begins

With just a few weeks left in the regular season, every team is battling for position in the standings. The signing deadline has passed, meaning squads must now rely on their existing rosters to make their final push. Can any late additions make a difference as teams fight for a place in the playoffs?

This weekend is a great opportunity to experience live Scottish ice hockey and support your local team. Whether you’re watching a team fight for top spot, a club battling for a playoff place, or an underdog chasing a big win, there’s plenty of action on offer.

📍 Find your nearest game, bring your friends and family, and be part of the action as the season heads towards its thrilling conclusion!

Scottish National League (SNL) – 24-25

PosTeamGPWLOTLGFGAPP%PK%PTSStrk
11816111103426.385.533W11
21914321065128.279.430W4
3191261835428.080.325W1
4181062804727.484.122OTL1
516691606026.874.213L2
6163130271109.866.16W1
7160160271379.665.80L16