While the Recreational Cup Tournament was taking place in Dundee, the Scottish Ice Hockey Recreational Section also returned to Dumfries Ice Bowl across 9–10 May 2026 for the annual SIH Recreational Quaich Tournament.
As the third tier within the Scottish Ice Hockey Recreational tournament structure, the Quaich carried added importance across the weekend, with both finalists earning promotion to the 2027 Recreational Plate Tournament.
Ten teams competed across two pools before the tournament progressed to knockout semi-finals and a dramatic championship final in Dumfries.
Pool A featured Aviemore Avalanche, Caledonian Thunder, Aberdeen Predators, Mariners, and Dundee Pirates, while Pool B consisted of Dundee Wildcats, Lowland Raiders, Edinburgh Stingers, Dundee Devils, and Paisley Buccaneers.
Mariners Set the Standard in Pool A
Mariners quickly emerged as the team to beat across the opening day, producing four commanding performances to finish top of Pool A with a perfect record.
A high-tempo attacking style saw them rack up 24 goals across the group stage while conceding only twice, with several of their victories effectively wrapped up early through relentless offensive pressure.
Dundee Pirates recovered strongly after an opening loss to Mariners, improving as the weekend progressed to secure second place in the group and a place in the semi-finals.
Devils Edge Competitive Pool B
Pool B proved more tightly contested, although Dundee Devils ultimately came through the group unbeaten.
The Devils combined disciplined defensive hockey with timely scoring throughout the round-robin stage, conceding only a single goal across four matches to finish top of the standings.
Paisley Buccaneers secured the second semi-final spot after producing a series of composed performances in closely fought games, edging out the chasing pack to progress.
Semi-Finals Deliver Goals and Drama
The opening semi-final saw Mariners continue their impressive scoring form against Paisley Buccaneers.
Mariners moved the puck quickly and created chances throughout the contest, building control of the game with sustained attacking pressure. Buccaneers battled hard and managed to find the net three times themselves, but Mariners’ depth going forward proved decisive in a 7–3 victory.
The result secured Mariners a place in the final and confirmed promotion to the 2027 Recreational Plate Tournament.
The second semi-final between Dundee Devils and Dundee Pirates proved far tighter.
After cruising through the group stage unbeaten, the Devils were pushed all the way by a determined Pirates side in one of the weekend’s closest contests. With little separating the teams throughout, Dundee Pirates edged a tense encounter 3–2 to reach the final and secure promotion alongside Mariners.
Mariners Edge Thrilling Final
The championship game provided a fitting finish to the weekend as Dundee Pirates produced Mariners’ toughest test of the tournament.
Pirates stayed within touching distance throughout the contest and repeatedly responded whenever Mariners looked to create breathing space on the scoreboard.
With the game finely balanced deep into the latter stages, Mariners once again found key goals at important moments to edge ahead, eventually sealing a narrow 4–3 victory and completing an unbeaten run to the 2026 Recreational Quaich title.
Award Winners
- Best Netminder: Sergejs Kravcenko (Mariners) — conceded only two goals during the round-robin stage.
- Best Defenceman: Ian Gallagher (Paisley Buccaneers) — instrumental in limiting opposition chances throughout the tournament.
- Player of the Tournament: Ivan Jaglar (Dundee Devils) — produced consistently strong performances to lead the Devils through an unbeaten group stage.
- Fair Play Award: Edinburgh Stingers — recorded the fewest penalty minutes of the tournament.
- Top Points Scorer: Michael Hose (Mariners) — amassed 11 points with 6 goals and 5 assists.
