The Scottish Cup finals day was an absolute spectacle, drawing record-breaking crowds and a fervent atmosphere that could only be described as electrifying. With five Scottish Cups up for grabs across various age groups – U12s, U14s, U16s, U19s, and the Seniors – 2200 hockey fans were treated to a day of thrilling action on the ice.
Lanarkshire Lightning 4 – Dundee Stars 3
The U12s kicked off the action bright and early, hitting the ice before anyone else. It was Lanarkshire Lightning versus Dundee Stars. As the arena lights dimmed and the music set the atmosphere, the young athletes went through their warm-up before the puck dropped. Lanarkshire seized an early lead, netting two goals in the opening period. The second period saw both teams scoring twice, maintaining the intensity. However, Dundee managed to secure another goal in the final period, finishing just one goal behind Lanarkshire.
Belfast Giants 1 – Lanarkshire Lightning 5
Following a brisk ice resurface, the U14s took center stage as the Belfast Giants clashed with the Lanarkshire Lightning. Lanarkshire got off to a quick start, putting two goals in the net early on. The second period mirrored the first, with Lanarkshire adding two more goals to their tally. In the final period, the Giants managed to score their first goal of the game, but Lightning struck again, sealing a resounding 5-1 victory and clinching the Scottish Cup as the final buzzer sounded.
Fife Flames 5 – North Ayrshire Wild 3
As the arena filled up with more and more fans eager to witness the games, the Fife Flames and North Ayrshire Wild faced off in the U16s final. The Flames seized a 2-0 lead in the first period. The 2nd period saw both teams scoring a goal each, keeping the match evenly contested. In the final period, both sides netted two goals apiece, but the Flames‘ early lead secured them a hard-fought victory with a final score of 5-3.
Solway Sharks 6 – Fife Falcons 3
Excitement mounted for the U19s match-up between the Solway Sharks and the Fife Falcons. In the opening period, the Sharks surged ahead, concluding with a 3-1 advantage. Continuing their dominance into the second period, they added two more goals to widen the gap. However, the Falcons rallied in the third, scoring two goals of their own. Despite their effort, the Sharks sealed the victory with another goal, securing a comfortable 6-3 win.
Aberdeen Lynx 9 – Edinburgh Capitals 3
Finally, the headline event of the evening featured league winners Aberdeen Lynx facing off against Playoff Champs Edinburgh Capitals in the Seniors final. The intense energy of the arena crackled as fans adorned in team colors, wielding drums, horns, and homemade banners, filled the stands. Even Lennox, the Lynx mascot, added to the fervor.
The game ignited immediately, with Captain Gary Kelly swiftly putting Lynx on the scoreboard just 27 seconds into the first period. Although the Capitals found the back of the net a few minutes later, Lynx capitalised on a power play to regain control, scoring two quick goals. By the end of the period, Lynx had amassed a commanding 5-2 lead.
In the second period, Lynx continued their dominance, extending their lead with three more goals whist Capitals’ Captain Joel Gautschi notched his second goal of the night. The 3rd period saw Lynx score their final goal and secured a resounding 9-3 victory amidst the deafening cheers of their supporters, who celebrated with confetti cannons.
Aberdeen emerged as the night’s big winners, taking home two pieces of silverware this season and cementing their status as a powerhouse in Scottish ice hockey. The incredible turnout and passion displayed by fans underscored the growing popularity of the sport, promising an exciting future for hockey in Scotland. As the season comes to a close, fans eagerly await the next chapter, ready to support their home clubs with unwavering enthusiasm.
