Six games and three double-headers are lined up in the Scottish National League this weekend, with every club looking to build momentum as the first phase of the season takes shape.

In Aberdeen, the Linx Ice Arena is sold out once again as Aberdeen Lynx take on the Dundee Rockets. The two sides have quickly developed a strong rivalry after the Rockets’ impressive debut season, which saw them lift both the league and Scottish Cup titles. Lynx, meanwhile, are just two points off the top with four wins from five and will be eager to continue their strong run on home ice. The Rockets remain unbeaten after three games, making this a clash between two teams who have already shown their intent to compete at the sharp end of the table. A fast, physical contest is expected between two of the league’s most competitive sides.

At Murrayfield, third-placed Edinburgh Capitals welcome unbeaten league leaders Whitley Warriors in a fixture where something has to give. Both sides are yet to lose this season — Whitley lead the way with a perfect ten points from five games, while Edinburgh sit just behind on eight. With both teams showing consistency and plenty of attacking strength, this promises to be a closely fought contest that could influence the early title picture. The Warriors will also have one eye on Sunday’s game against the Paisley Pirates, and how they manage the weekend could prove important as the schedule begins to tighten.

Paisley’s double-header begins on Saturday with a short trip to the Galleon Centre to face Kilmarnock Thunder before heading to Whitley the following day, where they’ll meet a Warriors side that defeated them 7–2 in their previous encounter. The Pirates sit mid-table on six points from six games and will be targeting a strong weekend to climb the standings.

Thunder will be looking to make the most of home ice and take some goals off the Pirates as they continue to find their footing in the league. On Sunday, they’ll travel to Fife to face the Kestrels — another tough test against a side that took a 6–1 win when the teams last met. The Kestrels, meanwhile, will be playing their ninth game of the campaign – the busiest schedule of any team so far. Sitting just outside the top four, they’ll be aiming to make home ice count and keep pressure on the teams above them.

In Ayrshire, North Ayrshire Wild welcome Solway Sharks SNL to Auchenharvie for their first-ever meeting. Both sides will be eager to take something from the game – Wild have two points on the board, while Sharks are still chasing their first win. It’s an interesting matchup between two developing teams, and one that could offer a good measure of progress for both as they look to build momentum in the weeks ahead.

With plenty of action throughout the league and strong support expected in rinks across the country, it’s the perfect weekend to get along and back your local team as the SNL season gathers pace.