Picture by Richard Wiseman
This weekend’s Scottish ice hockey action featured dominant performances from top teams and an unexpected twist, as the Sunday clash between the Paisley Pirates and Dundee Rockets was postponed due to technical issues at Braehead Arena. A new date for the postponed fixture is yet to be confirmed.
Dundee Rockets 5 – Aberdeen Lynx 1
Saturday 11th January | Dundee Ice Arena
A lively crowd packed Dundee Ice Arena on Saturday night, setting the stage for an electric encounter between league leaders Dundee Rockets and second-placed Aberdeen Lynx. Both teams were roared on by passionate supporters.
The game began with high intensity, and Aberdeen struck first during a power play. Gary Kelly capitalised on the opportunity giving the Lynx an early 1–0 lead. Despite Rocket’s efforts to respond, the Lynx defence and goaltending held firm through the rest of the opening frame.
Dundee turned the momentum in the second period, beginning with an equalising goal from John Dolan. Shortly after, Rio Page added a second for the Rockets, putting them in the lead. As the period neared its conclusion, Grant Reekie extended Dundee’s advantage, leaving the Lynx trailing 3–1 going into the final period.
The Rockets maintained control in the third period, with John Dolan scoring his second goal of the game, solidifying his position as the league’s top scorer. John Gordon added another for Dundee, rounding off a strong performance by the home team.
Rocket’s performance earned them the two points and increased their lead at the top of the league standings to four points. Lynx will be disappointed with the result but will look to regroup as they aim to close the gap in the standings.
Kilmarnock Thunder 1 – Paisley Pirates 8
Saturday 11th January | Galleon Leisure Centre
The Paisley Pirates dominated their third meeting of the season with the Kilmarnock Thunder, securing an emphatic 8-1 victory at the Galleon Leisure Centre. The Pirates set the tone early in the first period, with Marcus Murdoch opening the scoring and giving the visitors a lead they would only extend as the game progressed.
Murdoch doubled his tally in the second period, kicking off a relentless offensive display from the Pirates. Ben Walker, Alex Lane, and Martyn Simpson, with a power-play goal, all found the back of the net during a one-sided middle frame that left the Thunder struggling to find answers.
In the final period, Oliver King extended the Pirates‘ lead before Mack Harris managed to get the Thunder on the board with a consolation goal. The Pirates quickly resumed control, with Ryan Parkin and Chris Wilson—scoring short-handed—rounding off the commanding performance.
The win moves the Pirates to 11 points in the league standings, eight points behind leaders Kirkcaldy Kestrels, as they continue their pursuit to climb the table.
North Ayrshire Wild 1 – Kirkcaldy Kestrels 5
Saturday 11th January | Auchenharvie Leisure Centre
The Kirkcaldy Kestrels secured an impressive 5–1 victory over North Ayrshire Wild in a dominant performance that underscored their position as one of the top contenders in the league. With this win, the Kestrels not only held onto their fourth-place spot but also inched closer to the Edinburgh Capitals, narrowing the gap to just three points.
The opening period saw the Kestrels assert their dominance early on. Scott Jamieson opened the scoring, and just moments later, Conor Duncan doubled their lead. Despite the Wild’s efforts to respond, the visitors maintained control and set the tone for the game.
In the second period, the Kestrels continued to build on their momentum. Jamieson struck again, further stretching the lead and leaving the Wild with an uphill battle to climb. The home side struggled to generate quality chances, as the Kestrels’ defense remained solid throughout.
The final period brought a brief glimmer of hope for the Wild as Rocco Murray managed to find the back of the net, breaking the shutout. However, any potential comeback was quickly stifled when George Pitcaithly restored the three-goal cushion less than two minutes later. Chris Wands capped off the scoring on a power play, sealing a convincing win for the Kestrels.
This result leaves the Wild firmly near the bottom of the standings, while the Kestrels close the gap to just three points behind the Capitals, who currently sit in third place with 22 points.
