Picture by Richy Wiseman

Scottish Ice Hockey returns this weekend with another round of league fixtures, as teams across the country continue the second half of the season with points still on offer across the table.

Pirates Face Demanding Double Header

It’s a busy weekend ahead for Paisley Pirates, who face a double header across two days. On Saturday, the Pirates travel to Dundee to take on Dundee Rockets, before returning home to Braehead on Sunday to face Solway Sharks.

Saturday’s matchup will be the third meeting between the Pirates and Rockets this season. Dundee took an 8–2 win in November, but the most recent encounter in early December at Braehead was far closer, with the Pirates edging a narrow 3–2 victory. With both sides looking to strengthen their league position, another competitive contest is expected. The Rockets currently sit third in the table, just one point behind the Warriors, while the Pirates will be targeting a four-point weekend that could see them climb the standings.

Sunday sees the Pirates face the Sharks, with the sides having already met twice in Dumfries. Paisley claimed a 6–0 win in October, but the gap closed significantly by the end of December, when the Pirates secured a 4–2 victory. Those results show a marked improvement from the Dumfries-based side as the season has progressed and indicate a more competitive matchup may be on the cards.

Lynx Host League Leaders in Aberdeen

Aberdeen Lynx return to home ice this weekend to face Edinburgh Capitals in the third meeting between the two sides this season.

The Capitals currently sit top of the Scottish National League table on 31 points, with the Lynx on 18. Edinburgh have taken the points in both previous encounters, recording a 2–0 win in October and a 6–2 victory in Aberdeen in November, with three goals coming in the final period.

With no under-19 fixture clash this weekend, the Lynx will have a full roster available. The fixture provides an opportunity for Aberdeen to build on a slower start to the season and assess their progress against the current league leaders. The most recent meeting was closer than the scoreline suggested, setting the stage for a fast, competitive game between two well-supported sides.

Wild Look to Use Home Ice Against Kestrels

North Ayrshire Wild host Kirkcaldy Kestrels at Auchenharvie, with the sides having met twice already this season.

The Kestrels have taken victory in both previous meetings and will be aiming to keep pace with the teams at the top end of the table. The Wild will look to use home-ice advantage but face a tough test against a combative and well-organised side from Fife, and will need to stay disciplined if they are to limit the Kestrels’ influence and remain competitive throughout the game.

Warriors Welcome Thunder on Sunday

Sunday’s action also sees Kilmarnock Thunder travel south to take on Whitley Warriors.

It’s another challenging fixture for the Thunder, who are still searching for their first win of the season. The Warriors, currently second in the league, will be looking to make the most of home ice and support from the stands. Despite the results so far, the Thunder have continued to show strong spirit and commitment against tough opposition.

With wintery weather continuing to affect parts of Scotland — some areas more severely than others — supporters are advised to take extra care when travelling to and from games this weekend. Fans are encouraged to check local conditions, plan journeys in advance, and allow additional time where possible to ensure everyone arrives safely.