SNL Weekend Preview – Road Double-Headers and Fine Margins

Picture by FAHX Photography

Five fixtures are scheduled across the Scottish National League this weekend, with three games on Saturday and two on Sunday, as the regular season continues to take shape. With winter weather forecast across much of the country, travelling supporters will once again play their part, braving wet and windy conditions to follow their teams. Inside the arenas, the season continues to gather pace.

Aberdeen Lynx – Road Double-Header

Aberdeen Lynx face a demanding road double-header, repeating the same away trip they completed in November. They begin on Saturday in Dumfries against Solway Sharks SNL, before travelling to Whitley Bay on Sunday to face Whitley Warriors.

The Lynx enter Saturday’s contest having won both previous meetings with Solway this season, claiming victories home and away. Their most recent visit to Dumfries ended in a 5–2 Lynx victory in a game that remained finely balanced through forty minutes. The contest opened up in the final period, with the Lynx pulling away to secure the win. Earlier in the campaign, the sides met in Aberdeen, where the Lynx recorded a 5–3 victory.

Solway sit ten points behind the Lynx in the standings but have shown they can create scoring opportunities against any opposition. Netminder Harry Campbell has been a key figure for the Dumfries side, and previous meetings have shown games between the teams can remain close well into the later stages.

Sunday’s trip to Whitley Bay presents a different challenge. Whitley Warriors sit second in the league table and bring a physical, experienced lineup. The Lynx’s last visit to Whitley Bay ended in a 3–0 Warriors win, although the contest remained tight for much of the game. The sides have met three times this season — a Whitley victory in their opening meeting, followed by a 4–2 Lynx home win in December.

With Solway and Whitley offering contrasting tests, the Lynx face two different challenges across the weekend.


North Ayrshire Wild vs Edinburgh Capitals

Edinburgh Capitals make their first visit to Auchenharvie this season, although North Ayrshire Wild have already travelled to Murrayfield twice. On both occasions, the Capitals recorded decisive victories, though the most recent meeting saw a closer scoreline. Edinburgh will be looking to maintain their form as they face a Wild side aiming to make the most of home ice, with supporters backing their team despite the wet and windy conditions.


Dundee Rockets vs Kilmarnock Thunder

Thunder’s last visit to Dundee came early in the season, and this fixture marks the final regular-season meeting between the sides. The Rockets have taken victory in each previous encounter, establishing themselves as a structured and consistent side on home ice.

Dundee continue to look a well-drilled unit, controlling games through organised play and sustained pressure. For Kilmarnock, the task is a challenging one, but Thunder have shown resilience throughout the campaign and will look to remain disciplined, compete for the full sixty minutes, and take their chances when opportunities arise.


Sunday – Paisley Pirates vs Dundee Rockets

Sunday’s game in Braehead sees Pirates host Rockets in a matchup that has delivered competitive contests throughout the season. The last meeting in Braehead in early December saw Pirates claim a narrow 3–2 victory. However, in Dundee, the Rockets have taken decisive wins on both occasions.

Home ice may provide Pirates with an edge, but they will need to manage the physical tone of the game and maintain discipline against a Rockets side that has shown consistency across the campaign. The Rockets currently sit four points ahead of Pirates in the standings, with three games in hand, adding further importance to Sunday’s result.

Pirates bring a physical presence, while the Rockets continue to operate with discipline and efficiency. With the last encounter suggesting another closely contested contest could be on the cards, this is an intriguing matchup to watch.