Picture by Kris Cargill

The Scotland leg of the Frank Dempster Trophy concluded in Dundee this weekend, bringing to an end an entertaining four-game series between Scotland and England.

England arrived in Dundee holding a five-goal advantage after a 5-0 victory in the opening game in Sheffield before the second game ended in a 4-4 draw.

Saturday’s encounter was another closely contested affair. Scotland led throughout the game, with Bailey Thomson scoring both the opening and closing goals for the hosts, remarkably netting both while shorthanded. England responded each time Scotland moved ahead, with the game eventually finishing 3-3. While the points were shared, England maintained their five-goal aggregate advantage heading into Sunday’s final game.

The finale continued the theme of a competitive series. A goalless first period reflected how evenly matched the sides were, with chances limited at both ends.

Scotland struck first in the second period through Owen Rae on the power play before adding a second goal and beginning to reduce England’s aggregate lead. However, England responded strongly, scoring five times across the second and third periods, including two power-play goals, to regain control of the game and the series.

Scotland continued to battle in the final period, with Milo Wylie and Lennon Deeney finding the net, but England’s Alex Rushby completed a hat-trick to help secure a 6-4 victory on the night.

The win saw England lift the Frank Dempster Trophy for the first time, ending Scotland’s run of back-to-back successes in the competition.

Almost 400 fans attended across the weekend in Dundee, creating an excellent atmosphere and showing their support for some of the finest young players in British ice hockey.

While England ultimately lifted the trophy, the final aggregate score perhaps does not fully reflect how closely contested the series became. Just two goals separated the teams across the final three games, highlighting the quality and competitiveness on display from both nations. The Frank Dempster Trophy continues to provide an invaluable development opportunity for players while showcasing some of the finest young talent in British ice hockey, and Scottish Ice Hockey looks forward to seeing the fixture continue for many years to come.

Scottish Ice Hockey would like to thank all players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters from both nations who helped make the 2026 Frank Dempster Trophy another successful event.