The Scottish Ice Hockey community is buzzing with excitement as we approach the 23/4 season. After the resounding success of the new SNL format which introduced 2 home and 2 away games, fans and players alike are eagerly awaiting the upcoming matches.
Last season Aberdeen Lynx took the SNL title, the first time in their club’s history and was pipped to the Playoff and Scottish Cup win by the Dundee Comets. But it really could have been any number of the teams making it through given how close most games were.
Clubs saw an increase in the number of fans attending games and the Lynx vs Comets sold out league winning game has had over 6k views and was streamed live with hundreds of fans watching. Which is great for the growth of our sport in Scotland.
Scott Campbell from Scottish Ice Hockey said, “I think I am the same as the rest of the people involved around the league in really looking forward to the 23/4 Season. The new SNL format, a great playoff weekend at Murrayfield, and Scottish Cup in Aberdeen, all made last season one of the most competitive we’ve ever had.
Delighted that we are retaining the 2 home and 2 away format, 3 of our clubs have engaged in a newly reformed Northern League with Blackburn Hawks, which is hopefully the start of more potential cross border competition.
After the success of last season, our playoff weekend will again be held at Murrayfield, thanks to Scott Neil and his team for all their work to make this happen.
The amount of games now being played will only improve our league, and give a real pathway for our junior to aspire to. We have a seriously competitive league where no result is guaranteed on any given night.
With some new players arriving from NIHL teams and from other areas too, it just highlights the growth we have witnessed. While there are still challenges, such as the limited ice time available to the Dundee clubs, it was pleasing to be involved in the collaborative approach the clubs all took in overcoming this obstacle.
Finally, I’d just like to wish all teams and their players the best of luck for the upcoming season, and look forward to seeing you all around the rinks.”
With the first games being played this weekend, the teams will be keen to make their mark and build from their success of last year. Don’t miss out on all the action, click the links below to add the senior pictures to your calendar.
