SNL Weekend Preview

It’s been a sombre week for Ice Hockey with the tragic passing of Nottingham Panthers #47 Adam Johnson. As teams return to the ice for this weekend’s SNL action, the thoughts of the entire hockey community are with all of those who have been affected by this devastating loss. At all SNL games this weekend, teams will pay tribute with all players and officials in a circle at centre ice for one minutes silence. Fans attending games are also invited to stand and applaud for one minute at 47 minutes whilst the games are in play. Junior and Recreational teams will also be able to pay tribute with a one minute silence at the start of their games. The Ice Hockey community is strong and we stand together and pay tribute to Adam Johnson #47.

SNL Fixtures

DateGameTime/ResultsLeagueArena
Edinburgh Capitals vs Dundee CometsScottish National League
Murrayfield Ice Rink
Dundee Tigers vs North Ayrshire WildScottish National League
Dundee Ice Arena
Aberdeen Lynx vs Kilmarnock ThunderScottish National League
Aberdeen Linx Ice Arena
Kirkcaldy Kestrels vs Paisley PiratesScottish National League
Fife Ice Arena

SATURDAY:

Dundee Tigers vs. North Ayr Wild: In a double-point game that could make a significant difference to both teams, the North Ayr Wild, currently in 8th place with 2 points, face off against the Dundee Tigers, who sit in 7th place with 4 points. The four points up for grabs could propel either team up the league table, so the stakes are high. It’s their first meeting this season, so each team will be keen to assert their dominance on the ice.

Edinburgh Capitals vs. Dundee Comets: Both the Edinburgh Capitals and Dundee Comets are currently sitting on 6 points. Although they haven’t crossed paths this season, in the past, they’ve been strong contenders at the top of the league. The Capitals have only played 4 games this season, winning 3 out of 4, while the Comets have played 6 matches, with a 50% win rate. With both teams always bring their A-game, this matchup is not to be missed as the atmosphere at Murrayfield is sure to be electric.

Picture by Gordon Fowley

Aberdeen Lynx vs. Kilmarnock Thunder: There are only a few tickets left for this highly anticipated game in Aberdeen. Kilmarnock Thunder currently stands 2nd in the league table, while the Lynx are in 3rd place. Both teams have accumulated 8 points from 6 games, and each winning 4 out of their 6 games, making this an incredibly tight race. Their first meeting of the season in Kilmarnock saw Thunder narrowly edging out the Lynx with a 10-9 victory on home ice. The rematch promises to be intense in the packed out Linx arena.

Sunday:

Kirkcaldy Kestrels vs. Paisley Pirates: The league leaders, Kirkcaldy Kestrels, will play host to the Paisley Pirates on home ice at the Fife Arena. The Kestrels currently lead the league with 10 points, holding a 3-point advantage over the Pirates. With the Aberdeen Lynx and Kilmarnock Thunder hot on the Kestrels’ heels, a win would provide some breathing space, but a Pirates victory could propel them up the league table. This is the first meeting of the season between these two competitive teams, and fans can expect a physical game.

As the Scottish ice hockey community unites in remembrance and solidarity, these weekend games promise both intense competition and a fitting tribute to Adam Johnston. May the spirit of the sport shine brightly, even in these difficult times.

Scottish National League (SNL)

PosTeamGPWLOTGFGADiffPTSStrk
11082055352016W7
21284050311916L1
3972039281114W2
4156904850-212W1
595313738-111L1
695405647910W1
7115602834-610W1
81511403686-502L8

Player Safety Review and Action plan

Letter to all member clubs across Scottish Ice hockey.

REF: Player Safety Review and Action Plan in response to the tragic passing of Nottingham Panthers player #47 Adam Johnson, after an on ice incident. 

Dear Members, 

It is without question an extremely sad moment in time for our sport across the world and a stark reminder of our, and your duties as custodians of the sport. Like all sports, “it is only sport”, and the safety of our players must be our first priority. We have an absolute duty to do everything within our power to prevent a tragic accident like this from ever happening in our sport again. 

With this in mind, and the need for short, medium and long term action, Scottish Ice Hockey have made the decision to carry out the following steps: 

1. SHORT TERM (Immediate): Scottish Ice Hockey make a “strong recommendation” that all players at all levels across Scottish Ice Hockey use an approved Ice Hockey Neck Guard/Protector whilst participating in all on ice activities. (This “strong recommendation” is in place until 31 December 2023, after which it will become a mandatory requirement. It is not mandatory with immediate effect due to anticipated supply issues. This will be under constant review between now and mandatory implementation.) All protective equipment must be worn without alterations and as directed by the manufacturers’ specification. 

2. MEDIUM TERM (Within 12 Months): Scottish Ice Hockey, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, will conduct a Player Safety Equipment thorough review considering all aspects of player safety equipment including, but not limited to, the use of helmets, mouthguards/gumshields and facial protection, and the application of IIHF rules. 

3. LONG TERM (Ongoing): Scottish Ice Hockey will provide its membership with clear guidance on the ongoing and continuous improvement of Player Safety and their duties within this area. This will include the requirement for all clubs to be able to demonstrate that they proactively manage Player Safety within their organisations. 

It is unacceptable that any player loses their life playing our sport and it is incumbent upon us to do all we can to prevent a repeat of this tragic accident, but also to prevent other foreseeable incidents in the future. We have a legal and moral duty to respond in a measured and practical way. It is highly possible that other reviews will take place at an international level and Scottish Ice Hockey will participate proactively in this process. 

Yours faithfully 

JOHN COLLEY – CHAIRMAN 

Statement: Adam Johnson, 1994-2023

Scottish Ice Hockey is devastated to hear of the passing of Nottingham Panthers player Adam Johnson.

Scottish Ice Hockey sends its heartfelt condolences to Adam’s family and friends as well as the Nottingham Panthers community and those involved in the accident at this sad and difficult time.

John Colley, Chair of the Scottish Ice Hockey, commented, “The whole of Scottish Ice Hockey is heartbroken and deeply saddened by Adam’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Adam’s family, friends and ice hockey family at this difficult time.”

We join the ice hockey family in asking that the privacy of Adam’s family, friends and everyone at Nottingham Panthers is respected as we learn to come to terms with our grief.

In the wake of the tragic events that transpired yesterday, Scottish Ice Hockey made the decision to proceed with the scheduled games for this weekend. However, in cases where clubs find it challenging to continue with their matches, we strongly advise them to reach out to their respective section’s Rep. Any requests for postponement will be granted with the consent of both participating clubs.

Furthermore, all games will observe a one-minute silence as a moment of reflection and respect.

The following help and support is available for those who may need it:

Scottish Ice Hockey Weekend Preview

Get ready for a weekend of Scottish National League ice hockey, with four thrilling games set to unfold across the ice. Here’s a look at what’s in store:

Kilmarnock Thunder’s Double Header: Kilmarnock Thunder is gearing up for a full weekend, starting with a showdown against the Dundee Comets at home on Saturday. The stakes are high as both teams have had a strong start, each with 6 points to their name. Leading the league at the start of the season, Thunder will be looking to regain their winning form with a potential 6-point weekend. They are only 2 points behind Aberdeen Lynx and Kirkcaldy Kestrels, who are currently sitting at the top of the table on 8 points.

Thunders game against Dundee Comets is sure to be a close one. These two teams haven’t met this season yet but both have played 5 league games and both have 6 points. Comets have won 3 out of their 5 league games this season and after taking home 2 pieces of silverware last year they will be looking to replicate last year’s successes.

Kirkcaldy Kestrels vs. North Ayrshire Wild: League leaders Kirkcaldy Kestrels are set to host North Ayrshire Wild on Saturday. After a dominant 10-3 victory against Wild last weekend, Kestrels are looking to maintain their top spot with another commanding home performance.

Picture by Craig Guthrie
Picture by Craig Guthrie

Paisley Pirates vs. Edinburgh Capitals: The Paisley Pirates will be making their way east to Murrayfield to take on the formidable Edinburgh Capitals. Capitals have had a perfect record this season, winning all three of their SNL games. While the Capitals triumphed over the Pirates in the Scottish Cup 1/4 finals, there’s only a single point separating these two in the league standings. Expect an intense game as these two teams vie for supremacy.

With significant points on the line and the league table so tightly contested, this weekend promises to bring more surprises and potentially significant changes in the Scottish National League. Ice hockey fans can look forward to a thrilling weekend as the Scottish ice hockey season heats up.

28-29 October SNL

DateGameTime/ResultsLeague
Kilmarnock Thunder vs Dundee CometsScottish National League
Edinburgh Capitals vs Paisley PiratesScottish National League
Kirkcaldy Kestrels vs North Ayrshire WildScottish National League
Dundee Tigers vs Kilmarnock ThunderScottish National League

Weekend Roundup


Despite the unprecedented weather this weekend, 4 out of the 6 scheduled games were able to take place. The Dundee Tigers vs Dundee Comets and the Edinburgh Capitals vs Aberdeen Lynx games will be rescheduled.

Kirkcaldy Kestrels 10 – North Ayrshire Wild 3
Kirkcaldy Kestrels secured a commanding 10-3 victory against the North Ayr Wild on home ice. The Kestrels wasted no time in making their presence felt, as Rolands Dietlavs initiated the scoring just 6 minutes and 54 seconds into the first period, setting the tone for the entire game.

Although Wild managed to equalise, hope for a closely contested match was quickly extinguished by the relentless Kestrels. George Pitscaithly, Andy Finlay, and Scott Jamiesen added to the Kestrels‘ lead, culminating in a 4-1 advantage at the end of the first period.

The second period saw Tom Morgenthaler narrowing the gap for the North Ayr side, but the Kestrels maintained their unyielding offensive pressure. George Pitscaithly continued to shine with additional goals, while Scott Jamieson and Allan Anderson on a power play further solidified the Kestrels‘ position.

Despite Kyle Howie’s second goal for the North Ayrshire Wild, the Kestrels remained in control, with George Pitscaithly completing a remarkable hat-trick, accumulating a total of four goals.

The final period featured yet another power-play goal from George Pitscaithly and one more from Scott Jamieson, culminating in the 10-3 victory for the Kestrels. This dominant performance propelled them to the league’s top position with 8 points.

Paisley Pirates v Dundee Tigers at Braehead Arena, Renfrew on 22 October 2023. Picture: Al Goold (www.algooldphoto.com) Twitter: @AlGooldPhoto Insta: @Clanphotos

Paisley Pirates v Dundee Tigers
In an intense game at Braehead on Sunday, the Tigers secured a 3-6 win over the Pirates. John Skelly opened the scoring for the Tigers, followed by a goal from Harvey Topen. Pirates fought back with Marcus Murdoch finding the back of the net, making it 2-1 going into the 2nd period. The Pirates equalised, but it wasn’t long before the Tigers scored two more. Taking full advantage of the power plays in the last period, the Dundee side added two more goals. A last-minute goal from Alex Lane for the Pirates narrowed the gap, but time had run out for the Paisley side.

Scottish National League (SNL)

PosTeamGPWLOTGFGADiffPTSStrk
11082055352016W7
21284050311916L1
3972039281114W2
4156904850-212W1
595313738-111L1
695405647910W1
7115602834-610W1
81511403686-502L8

Kirkcaldy Kestrels 5, Edinburgh Capitals 3
The Kirkcaldy Kestrels and the Edinburgh Capitals faced off in a rollercoaster of a game that had the fans roaring with excitement. The Capitals got off to a strong start, notching three goals in the first period, with Ian Blake contributing two of those crucial goals. However, the Kestrels began their comeback in the second period, as Jamie Crawford found the back of the net on a power play, closing the gap. The turning point of the game came in the third period when the Kestrels rallied, scoring four times, with the final goal coming just moments before the final whistle. This remarkable turnaround earned the Kestrels a well-deserved 5-3 victory, leaving both teams and their supporters buzzing.

Kilmarnock Thunder 5, Blackburn Hawks 6 (Penalty Shootout)
The Kilmarnock Thunder and the Blackburn Hawks battled it out in a closely contested match that had spectators on the edge of their seats. The Thunder wasted no time, as Conner McNulty netted a goal just ten seconds into the game. However, the Hawks responded with two goals of their own, leaving the score level at 2-2 at the end of the first period. The Thunder reclaimed the lead with a power play goal in the second period, but the Hawks displayed their resilience by scoring two more goals to take control. The third period added to the excitement, as when the final whistle blew, the score was tied at 5-5. It came down to a penalty shootout, where Hawks‘ assistant captain Jacob Lutwyche sealed the deal with the winning goal, securing a hard-fought 6-5 victory for the Hawks.


Northern League

PosTeamGPWLOTGFGA
13210139
232011714
33210108
430211322

Weekend Preview

After enduring a challenging few days due to the recent storm, we hope everyone is safe and well. As of now, all weekend ice hockey games are scheduled to proceed, offering an action-packed lineup featuring 4 SNL (Scottish National League) games and 2 Northern League clashes.

North Ayrshire Wild vs. Kirkcaldy Kestrels (Saturday)

The Kestrels, who have secured victory in 3 out of 4 league games played, are determined to solidify their position in the league table. Wild’s coach, Domenico De Simone, has a roster of talented young players. They have showcased their hard work through increasingly competitive scorelines against more established teams, notably their overtime win against the Pirates. With the young side gaining more game experience, they are sure to be one to watch.

Edinburgh Capitals vs. Aberdeen Lynx (Saturday)

Due to the Red weather warning that is in place the Lynx and Caps issued this announcement: “Aberdeen Lynx and Edinburgh Capitals are closely monitoring the rapidly changing weather conditions caused by storm Babet. Our utmost priority is the safety of both the players and the fans.
The final decision regarding the game will be made tomorrow morning at 9 am. However, if the red weather warning issued by authorities is still in effect at that time, we will have no choice but to postpone the game.
Your safety is of paramount importance to us, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging weather situation. Please stay tuned for updates and the final decision at 9 am tomorrow.”

Dundee Comets vs. Dundee Tigers (Saturday)

This game is Postponed as Dundee Ice Arena is closed due to the adverse weather conditions.

Paisley Pirates vs. Dundee Tigers (Sunday)

Dundee Tigers return to the ice, this time at Braehead, to take on the Paisley Pirates. The Pirates clinched a 4-2 win in their September matchup, and they’ll be looking to capitalise on home-ice advantage in their quest for another victory. Tigers will be hungry for the win and the two points, so they will be giving their all.

Scottish National League (SNL)

PosTeamGPWLOTGFGADiffPTSStrk
11082055352016W7
21284050311916L1
3972039281114W2
4156904850-212W1
595313738-111L1
695405647910W1
7115602834-610W1
81511403686-502L8

Blackburn Hawks vs. Kilmarnock Thunder (Saturday)

The Blackburn Hawks will journey north to Kilmarnock for a highly-anticipated rematch against the Thunder. Last month, the Hawks secured a 9-6 win, but the Thunder are eager to turn the tide and emerge victorious this time around.

Kirkcaldy Kestrels vs. Edinburgh Capitals (Sunday)

Sunday sees both teams returning for their second game of the weekend in this Northern League clash. Each team has clinched one victory in the league, with the Capitals claiming a 4-1 win in the previous home leg. Expect a competitive and intense battle between these determined squads.

Northern League Fixtures

DateGameTime/ResultsLeagueSeasonArenaArticleMatch Day
Thunder vs KestrelsNorthern League2023-2024
Galleon Leisure Centre
-
Hawks vs ThunderNorthern League2023-2024
Blackburn Arena
-
Caps vs KestrelsNorthern League2023-2024
Murrayfield Ice Rink
-
Thunder vs HawksNorthern League2023-2024
Galleon Leisure Centre
-
Kestrels vs CapsNorthern League2023-2024
Fife Ice Arena
-
Caps vs HawksNorthern League2023-2024
Murrayfield Ice Rink
-
Thunder vs CapsNorthern League2023-2024
Galleon Leisure Centre
-
Kestrels vs HawksNorthern League2023-2024
Fife Ice Arena
-
Comets vs KestrelsNorthern League2023-2024
Dundee Ice Arena
-
Kestrels vs ThunderNorthern League2023-2024
Fife Ice Arena
-

With severe weather warnings in effect this weekend across various parts of Scotland, please prioritize safety when considering travel plans. Be sure to check the conditions before heading out. You can also stay updated with your team’s game-night progress through their respective social media links. Enjoy a weekend of thrilling Scottish ice hockey action!

Weekend Roundup:

With four exciting games in the SNL there have been significant shifts in the league table. Here’s a recap of the weekend’s matches:

Saturday:

Aberdeen Lynx 5 – Dundee Comets 2
The highly anticipated matchup between Aberdeen Lynx and Dundee Comets lived up to its billing. In the first period, Ian Malcolm, returning to the Lynx, scored the opening goal, putting the Lynx up 1-0. The Lynx continued their offensive push, with player/coach Jordan Leyden adding another in the second period. The Lynx took advantage of a power play in the final period, with Captain Ben Edmonds netting two goals, while the Comets‘ Sam McCluskey and Cameron McGriffin found the net as well. The Lynx secured two more goals, ultimately taking the two points and moving to the top of the league table.

Lynx coach Jordan Leyden said, “Really happy with our performance. I felt we were solid throughout the game and even when they got 2 goals back I thought the guys character and attitude was incredible. It’s always nice being on top but at this early stage it means very little. We just need to concentrate on ourselves week in week out and look to try and keep ourselves there.”

Kilmarnock Thunder 7 – Paisley Pirates 9
Paisley Pirates headed to Kilmarnock to face league leaders, Thunder. Findlay Anderson opened the scoring for Thunder in an action-packed first period. The teams exchanged goals, with the Thunder leading 3-2 going into the second period. Thunder extended their lead, but the Pirates fought back, with Mikey Dobson finding the net. Another goal from each side set the stage for a thrilling final period. The Pirates netted four quick goals to take the lead, and despite a late push and two power play goals from the Thunder, the Pirates‘ Marcus Murdock secured a hat-trick with a goal on the final whistle.

Edinburgh Capitals 6 – North Ayr Wild 3
North Ayr Wild traveled east to take on the Edinburgh Capitals at Murrayfield. Dylan Murray of the Wild scored the opening goal, but Capitals‘ Assistant Captain Chad Smith quickly equalised. Going into the second period tied at 1-1, the Capitals turned up the heat, bagging four more goals. Wild managed to find the net once more getting past Capitals‘ netminder Craig Chalmers. In the final period, Chad Smith scored his second goal, and Liam Houston added an unassisted goal, resulting in a final score of 6-3. The Capitals now occupy the third spot in the league table.

Sunday:

Kirkcaldy Kestrels 6 – Dundee Tigers 4
The Kestrels were first to score with two goals in the first period. In the second period, the Tigers clawed their way back netting 3 goals with 2 unassisted goals by Callum Hill and Craig Findlay whist Kestrels bagged their 3rd goal. All level going into the final period, the Tigers edged ahead, but the Kestrels responded with three more goals to secure the win. The Kestrels now sit in the fourth spot in the league.

Scottish National League (SNL)

PosTeamGPWLOTGFGADiffPTSStrk
11082055352016W7
21284050311916L1
3972039281114W2
4156904850-212W1
595313738-111L1
695405647910W1
7115602834-610W1
81511403686-502L8

Weekend Preview: SNL Action

Another thrilling weekend of Scottish Ice Hockey League action is on the horizon. With the league standings starting to take shape, every game becomes crucial, and this weekend promises some intense battles. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Saturday:

Thunder vs Pirates – The league leader, Kilmarnock Thunder, is set to face off against the Paisley Pirates in a high-stakes showdown. Thunder currently sits at the top with 6 points, while Pirates have earned 3 points. Thunder has been in impressive form, winning 3 out of the 4 league games they’ve played. In contrast, Pirates have only played two league games so far with one win and a close overtime loss.

Caps vs Wild – North Ayrshire Wild embarks on a challenging journey to Murrayfield, where they’ll take on the well-coached Edinburgh Capitals. Wild is coming off a thrilling overtime victory against the Pirates last weekend and aims to build on that momentum. Capitals, with 4 points, had a successful weekend last time, winning both of their games, and will be looking to maintain their winning streak.

Lynx vs Comets – The Aberdeen Lynx host the Dundee Comets in a highly anticipated game that promises to electrify a sold-out crowd. Both teams are currently tied at 6 points in the league standings. Lynx has secured their last two games, while Comets won their most recent match. This game carries an added level of intensity as both teams are eager to dethrone the Thunder from the top spot.

Sunday:

Kestrels vs Tigers – On Sunday, the Dundee Tigers will embark on a short journey to Kirkcaldy to take on the Kirkcaldy Kestrels. Both teams had disappointing results last weekend and will be determined to turn things around. Kestrels are currently positioned 5th in the league with 4 points, while the Tigers have 2 points to their name, making this match a crucial opportunity for both teams to climb the ranks.

With the league standings in flux and every point crucial. Strap in, fans, and get ready for the drama, excitement, and skill that the SNL has to offer!

Weekend Pictures

DateGameTime/ResultsLeague
Kilmarnock Thunder vs Paisley PiratesScottish National League
Edinburgh Capitals vs North Ayrshire WildScottish National League
Aberdeen Lynx vs Dundee CometsScottish National League
Kirkcaldy Kestrels vs Dundee TigersScottish National League

STATEMENT: Discriminatory behaviour

After such a positive start to the season at both a senior and junior level SIH (Scottish Ice Hockey) are disappointed to be receiving reports that potentially discriminatory behaviour is happening once again. These have included incidents which may be considered sexual and of an abusive nature.

And whilst we are pleased to confirm that no reports of a racist nature have been received this year we reiterate that such behaviour will be treated with the same uncompromising approach.

SIH are, for the avoidance of doubt restating their position on such behaviour.

There is no place for such abhorrent behaviour in our sport or society and SIH would like to be clear in stating that it will not be tolerated at any level.

Such incidents are a direct assault on the ideals and values of our game, and we will do all that is necessary to investigate such reported occurrences with a view to ensure that this behaviour is sanctioned appropriately.

Abuse and Harassment is clearly defined and all those engaged in our sport, whether players, staff, fans or any other party should make sure that they understand the definition and our position.

IIHF Abuse & Harassment

SIH make no apologies for the hard line which will be taken to remove such behaviour from our sport and we stand firm and resolute in our commitment in playing our part in making our sport, and all sport across the world a respectful environment free of abuse and harassment.

Please enjoy our sport but always remember to be respectful, have fun and be kind.

Weekend Roundup

Five league games took place this weekend, despite the wet and windy Scottish weather.

The Edinburgh Capitals played their first two games of the SNL and secured two wins. On Saturday, they faced Kilmarnock Thunder at home, and on Sunday, they made the short journey to Fife to take on the Kirkcaldy Kestrels.

The league leaders, Thunder, opened the scoring with a goal within the first few minutes and added a second shorthanded goal at the beginning of the 2nd period. The Capitals were over halfway through the game before Andrew Craik scored Edinburgh’s first goal. Innes Gallagher notched his second goal of the game for Thunder just a few minutes later. Going into the final period, Thunder led 3-2. The Caps found their stride and scored three more in quick succession, securing a 5-3 victory.

Fresh from their win the previous evening, the Capitals were ready to take on Kirkcaldy Kestrels. This Fife fixture is always a tough one, but the Caps wasted no time, finding the back of the net three times before the first intermission. Another goal just 27 seconds into the 2nd period extended their lead, but the Kestrels didn’t give up, and Scott Jamieson scored for the Fife side. With a further goal, the score was 4-2 going into the final period, and although both sides fought hard, neither could find the back of the net. The final score was 4-2 in favour of the Capitals.

Capitals coach Steven Lynch said, “It was great to kick off our league season with two wins over the weekend against two strong teams. We had to work really hard in both games to secure those wins. Kilmarnock got off to a very good start at Murrayfield on Saturday night, and we had a fantastic second half of the game, especially in the first five minutes of the third period when we scored three goals to take control. In Sunday’s game in Kirkcaldy, we got off to a strong start, going up 4-0, but as expected, they came back hard. They weren’t just going to lie down and accept defeat; they made a competitive game of it. However, we stuck to our game plan and managed to shut them down in the third period, making it a great four-point weekend.”

Weekend Results 7/10 – 8/10

DateGameTime/ResultsLeague
Edinburgh Capitals vs Kilmarnock ThunderScottish National League
North Ayrshire Wild vs Dundee CometsScottish National League
Dundee Tigers vs Aberdeen LynxScottish National League
Paisley Pirates vs North Ayrshire WildScottish National League
Kirkcaldy Kestrels vs Edinburgh CapitalsScottish National League

Aberdeen Lynx moved up to 2nd place in the league with a double-point win against the Dundee Tigers on Saturday. Now on 6 points, they are 2nd in the table, just behind Kilmarnock Thunder and ahead of Dundee Comets. The stakes were high with 4 points up for grabs, but the Aberdeen side wasted no time, with John Dolan scoring his first of four goals of the night just 1 minute and 32 seconds into the game. The Tigers fought hard but couldn’t overcome the Lynx’s 2-goal lead, and the game finished 5-3 in favour of Aberdeen.

Paisley Pirates v North Ayrshire Wild at Braehead Arena, Renfrew on 8 October 2023. Picture: Al Goold (www.algooldphoto.com) Twitter: @AlGooldPhoto Insta: @Clanphotos

It was a bittersweet weekend for North Ayrshire Wild, with a 4-2 loss against the Dundee Comets on Saturday but a win against the Paisley Pirates on Sunday at the Braeside Arena. In the Comets game Dylan Murray opened the scoring for the Wild with a power-play goal, but in this intense game, they struggled to break through their oponents defense. The 2nd period saw the Comets score 2 goals, taking the lead. However, it was the last few minutes of the game that decided the outcome. Wild evened the scoreline, but with 2 goals in the dying minutes of the game, the Comets secured the win.

Facing another formidable team on Sunday, Wild regrouped and were ready to go again. Chris Wilson from the Pirates scored first, but it was in the 2nd period that Wild found their stride, netting 4 goals. It was 4-3 in favour of the Pirates going into the final period, but both teams scored an early goal. However, Tom Johnson for the Pirates bagged the equaliser on a power play. Tied 5-5 at the final whistle, it was Dylan Murray from the Wild who secured the win just 6 seconds into overtime.

The league table is looking very different from last season, with any one of the teams capable of taking the points on the night. It promises to be another thrilling year for Scottish Ice Hockey!

Scottish National League (SNL)

PosTeamGPWLOTGFGADiffPTSStrk
11082055352016W7
21284050311916L1
3972039281114W2
4156904850-212W1
595313738-111L1
695405647910W1
7115602834-610W1
81511403686-502L8