Aberdeen played host the Scottish Cup Finals on Saturday as all age groups took to the ice to compete for the final piece of silverware this season.
It was an early start for the U12 finalists with Fife and Lanarkshire making the journey North. Kit bags lined the foyer of the Linx Ice Arena but the excitement levels were high as the youngsters waited to be shown to their changing rooms where fresh fruit and juices were waiting to keep them fuelled and hydrated.
Parents took their seats in the stands as the arena lights dimmed and turned to blue, the DJ cranked up the volume and the two U12 teams emerged from the tunnel to the cheering crowd.
Fife took a 2-1 lead in the first period but Lanarkshire dug deep and turned it around in the 2nd scoring 4 goals. It was 2-5 going into the last period with both sides giving it their all but Lanarkshire extended their lead scoring a goal whilst on the power play and clinched the win!
The Zamboni was out for a quick ice cut whilst the crowd grabbed an early morning hotdog as the U14s lined up in the tunnel. Looking around the stands it was great to see some of Aberdeen Lynx’s SNL team had popped down to cheer the juniors on.
There was a mix of excitement and nerves as the youngsters made their way out onto the ice but after a quick warmup it was time for puck drop.
Less than 2 minutes in and Aberdeen opened the scoring but Fife equalised just moment later. Aberdeen followed with 2 more goals whilst on the power play to end the period 3-1. The 2nd period saw Fife gain momentum and add 4 goals to their total whilst Aberdeen added 2. It was 5-5 going into the last period and all to play for. Aberdeen bagged another goal just 28 seconds in and quickly followed with a second. With the clock ticking down Fife took advantage of the power play and netted 6 goals finishing 11-7 to Fife.
The arena was buzzing after such an exhilarating game and the stands were filling up with hockey fans coming to support their teams and to enjoy some fantastic cup final games.
With the lights at blue once more and AC/DC blasting it was the the turn of Solway and Fife’s U16s to take to the ice. The first period saw both sides create plenty of opportunities but neither side managed to find the back of the net. The 2nd period also ended 0-0 with Solway taking plenty shots on goal, but just couldn’t get them past Fife’s net minder. It was all down to the last period and 8 minutes before the end, Solway bagged the first goal, and then a 2nd one just 4 seconds before the end of the game, finishing 2-0.
With three Scottish Cup trophies won it was the last juniors game of the day. North Ayr and Fife U19s faced off in what turned out to be quite a heated game. The 1st period saw North Ayr on the offensive but it was the last two minutes of the period before they managed to net 2 goals. 2-0 going into the 2nd period and Fife scored their first goal but North Ayr added three more goals to their total and things were getting a little spicy, with the penalty box getting lots of action from both sides. With tensions running high Fife tried hard to get onto the scoreboard but North Ayr kept the pressure on and bagged a further 3 goals winning 8-1.
With 4 fantastic games played the anticipation was building as Aberdeen Lynx and Dundee Comets kitted up for another head to head. Two queues stretched around the arena as fans patiently waited for the doors to open.
Only 6 days had passed since the two teams last met in the final for the Playoffs at Murrayfield, where the Comets had clinched the title. This game was massive for both sides, Aberdeen had won the League and the Comets won the Playoffs, this was the last piece of silverware that was up for grabs this season.
Aberdeen came out strong but it was the Comets that were first to score. Aberdeen kept their cool and kept up the pace by netting 2 goal by the end of the period. 5 minutes into the start of the 2nd the Lynx bagged their 3rd goal of the night, but a Power Play for the Comets gave them a chance to narrow the scoreline with their 2nd goal. 3-2 going into the 3rd period the crowd were on the edge of their seats as the Lynx were on the defence. The clock ticked down and time was running out for the Comets. With just over a minute to go until the end they took the risk and pulled their goalie and the gamble paid off as they scored an equaliser! All even at 3-3 and the game went to overtime, but a minute and a half later the Comets scored and the Scottish Cup title was won.
A fantastic day for both players and fans. A showcase for the young talent that is coming through our junior clubs and it’s great to see the growing fanbase for the sport in Scotland. What a day, 12 hours of hockey, 5 games played, 10 teams who gave it their all on the ice and a team of volunteers who rolled up their sleeves, pitched in and helped make it a day to remember!
