Tag: Northern League

Weekend Roundup


Despite the unprecedented weather this weekend, 4 out of the 6 scheduled games were able to take place. The Dundee Tigers vs Dundee Comets and the Edinburgh Capitals vs Aberdeen Lynx games will be rescheduled.

Kirkcaldy Kestrels 10 – North Ayrshire Wild 3
Kirkcaldy Kestrels
secured a commanding 10-3 victory against the North Ayr Wild on home ice. The Kestrels wasted no time in making their presence felt, as Rolands Dietlavs initiated the scoring just 6 minutes and 54 seconds into the first period, setting the tone for the entire game.

Although Wild managed to equalise, hope for a closely contested match was quickly extinguished by the relentless Kestrels. George Pitscaithly, Andy Finlay, and Scott Jamiesen added to the Kestrels‘ lead, culminating in a 4-1 advantage at the end of the first period.

The second period saw Tom Morgenthaler narrowing the gap for the North Ayr side, but the Kestrels maintained their unyielding offensive pressure. George Pitscaithly continued to shine with additional goals, while Scott Jamieson and Allan Anderson on a power play further solidified the Kestrels‘ position.

Despite Kyle Howie’s second goal for the North Ayrshire Wild, the Kestrels remained in control, with George Pitscaithly completing a remarkable hat-trick, accumulating a total of four goals.

The final period featured yet another power-play goal from George Pitscaithly and one more from Scott Jamieson, culminating in the 10-3 victory for the Kestrels. This dominant performance propelled them to the league’s top position with 8 points.

Paisley Pirates v Dundee Tigers at Braehead Arena, Renfrew on 22 October 2023. Picture: Al Goold (www.algooldphoto.com) Twitter: @AlGooldPhoto Insta: @Clanphotos

Paisley Pirates v Dundee Tigers
In an intense game at Braehead on Sunday, the Tigers secured a 3-6 win over the Pirates. John Skelly opened the scoring for the Tigers, followed by a goal from Harvey Topen. Pirates fought back with Marcus Murdoch finding the back of the net, making it 2-1 going into the 2nd period. The Pirates equalised, but it wasn’t long before the Tigers scored two more. Taking full advantage of the power plays in the last period, the Dundee side added two more goals. A last-minute goal from Alex Lane for the Pirates narrowed the gap, but time had run out for the Paisley side.

Scottish National League (SNL)

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Kirkcaldy Kestrels 5, Edinburgh Capitals 3
The Kirkcaldy Kestrels and the Edinburgh Capitals faced off in a rollercoaster of a game that had the fans roaring with excitement. The Capitals got off to a strong start, notching three goals in the first period, with Ian Blake contributing two of those crucial goals. However, the Kestrels began their comeback in the second period, as Jamie Crawford found the back of the net on a power play, closing the gap. The turning point of the game came in the third period when the Kestrels rallied, scoring four times, with the final goal coming just moments before the final whistle. This remarkable turnaround earned the Kestrels a well-deserved 5-3 victory, leaving both teams and their supporters buzzing.

Kilmarnock Thunder 5, Blackburn Hawks 6 (Penalty Shootout)
The Kilmarnock Thunder and the Blackburn Hawks battled it out in a closely contested match that had spectators on the edge of their seats. The Thunder wasted no time, as Conner McNulty netted a goal just ten seconds into the game. However, the Hawks responded with two goals of their own, leaving the score level at 2-2 at the end of the first period. The Thunder reclaimed the lead with a power play goal in the second period, but the Hawks displayed their resilience by scoring two more goals to take control. The third period added to the excitement, as when the final whistle blew, the score was tied at 5-5. It came down to a penalty shootout, where Hawks‘ assistant captain Jacob Lutwyche sealed the deal with the winning goal, securing a hard-fought 6-5 victory for the Hawks.


Northern League

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Weekend Preview

After enduring a challenging few days due to the recent storm, we hope everyone is safe and well. As of now, all weekend ice hockey games are scheduled to proceed, offering an action-packed lineup featuring 4 SNL (Scottish National League) games and 2 Northern League clashes.

North Ayrshire Wild vs. Kirkcaldy Kestrels (Saturday)

The Kestrels, who have secured victory in 3 out of 4 league games played, are determined to solidify their position in the league table. Wild’s coach, Domenico De Simone, has a roster of talented young players. They have showcased their hard work through increasingly competitive scorelines against more established teams, notably their overtime win against the Pirates. With the young side gaining more game experience, they are sure to be one to watch.

Edinburgh Capitals vs. Aberdeen Lynx (Saturday)

Due to the Red weather warning that is in place the Lynx and Caps issued this announcement: “Aberdeen Lynx and Edinburgh Capitals are closely monitoring the rapidly changing weather conditions caused by storm Babet. Our utmost priority is the safety of both the players and the fans.
The final decision regarding the game will be made tomorrow morning at 9 am. However, if the red weather warning issued by authorities is still in effect at that time, we will have no choice but to postpone the game.
Your safety is of paramount importance to us, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this challenging weather situation. Please stay tuned for updates and the final decision at 9 am tomorrow.”

Dundee Comets vs. Dundee Tigers (Saturday)

This game is Postponed as Dundee Ice Arena is closed due to the adverse weather conditions.

Paisley Pirates vs. Dundee Tigers (Sunday)

Dundee Tigers return to the ice, this time at Braehead, to take on the Paisley Pirates. The Pirates clinched a 4-2 win in their September matchup, and they’ll be looking to capitalise on home-ice advantage in their quest for another victory. Tigers will be hungry for the win and the two points, so they will be giving their all.

Scottish National League (SNL)

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Blackburn Hawks vs. Kilmarnock Thunder (Saturday)

The Blackburn Hawks will journey north to Kilmarnock for a highly-anticipated rematch against the Thunder. Last month, the Hawks secured a 9-6 win, but the Thunder are eager to turn the tide and emerge victorious this time around.

Kirkcaldy Kestrels vs. Edinburgh Capitals (Sunday)

Sunday sees both teams returning for their second game of the weekend in this Northern League clash. Each team has clinched one victory in the league, with the Capitals claiming a 4-1 win in the previous home leg. Expect a competitive and intense battle between these determined squads.

Northern League Fixtures

DateGameTime/ResultsLeagueSeasonArenaArticleMatch Day
Thunder vs KestrelsNorthern League2023-2024
Galleon Leisure Centre
-
Hawks vs ThunderNorthern League2023-2024
Blackburn Arena
-
Caps vs KestrelsNorthern League2023-2024
Murrayfield Ice Rink
-
Thunder vs HawksNorthern League2023-2024
Galleon Leisure Centre
-
Kestrels vs CapsNorthern League2023-2024
Fife Ice Arena
-
Caps vs HawksNorthern League2023-2024
Murrayfield Ice Rink
-
Thunder vs CapsNorthern League2023-2024
Galleon Leisure Centre
-
Kestrels vs HawksNorthern League2023-2024
Fife Ice Arena
-
Comets vs KestrelsNorthern League2023-2024
Dundee Ice Arena
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Kestrels vs ThunderNorthern League2023-2024
Fife Ice Arena
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With severe weather warnings in effect this weekend across various parts of Scotland, please prioritize safety when considering travel plans. Be sure to check the conditions before heading out. You can also stay updated with your team’s game-night progress through their respective social media links. Enjoy a weekend of thrilling Scottish ice hockey action!

Scottish Ice Hockey Weekend Roundup

A thrilling weekend of Scottish Ice Hockey unfolded with a combination of Scottish Cup quarter-finals and a Northern League matchup. Here’s a recap of the action:

Scottish Cup Quarter-Finals Return Leg:

Aberdeen Lynx 6 – North Ayrshire Wild 0
Aberdeen Lynx continued their dominant performance against North Ayrshire Wild, sealing their spot in the Scottish Cup semi-finals. The Lynx had previously won 4-0 against Wild in the first leg and repeated their success this weekend. James Demeo notched two goals on the power play. The Lynx showcased their prowess with goals in each period, finishing with a 6-0 victory. Goalies on both sides faced intense pressure, but it was the Lynx who emerged victorious. They will now face the Dundee Comets in the semi-finals.

Picture by Craig Guthrie Photography

Paisley Pirates 2 – Edinburgh Capitals 5
Edinburgh Capitals secured their semi-final spot in the Scottish Cup with a 5-2 victory over Paisley Pirates. While the previous weekend had seen Capitals win 8-1, this return match proved to be a closer contest. Garry Simpson opened the scoring for the Pirates, but Joel Gautschi levelled the scoreline for the Capitals with his first of his four goals of the evening. With another goal from each side the game was tied at 2-2 heading into the third period, but the Capitals surged ahead, ultimately winning 5-2. They will meet the Kirkcaldy Kestrels in the semi-finals.

Kirkcaldy Kestrels 6 – Kilmarnock Thunder 5
A nail-biting clash at Fife Ice Arena saw the Kirkcaldy Kestrels triumph over Kilmarnock Thunder by a score of 6-5. Thunder got off to a strong start, leading 3-0 after the first period. However, the Kestrels mounted a comeback, with Joe Somerville netting their first goal. The second period remained competitive and the Kestrels closed the gap to 5-2. In the final period, the Kestrels found their stride, scoring four goals and securing a thrilling 6-5 victory.

Dundee Comets 8 – Dundee Tigers 1
In a surprising turn of events, Dundee Comets won 8-1 against their Dundee Counterparts. This outcome was unexpected after such a close game between the two teams the previous weekend. Both sides created numerous scoring opportunities, but the Tigers struggled to find the back of the net against the Comets‘ goaltenders. The Comets capitalised on power plays and secured their place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, where they will face the Aberdeen Lynx.

Northern League:

Edinburgh Capitals 4 – Kirkcaldy Kestrels 1
In their first game in the Northern League, the Edinburgh Capitals secured a 4-1 victory over the Kirkcaldy Kestrels. Sean Cochrane scored the opening goal for the Capitals on a power play. Both teams scored in the second period, with the Capitals maintaining a 2-1 lead. The Capitals continued their strong performance in the third period, adding two more goals to secure the win. This victory marked an impressive debut in the Northern League for the Capitals. The league table will now be closely watched, with the next Northern League game scheduled for October 21st between Thunder and Hawks.

Northern League

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It was an action-packed weekend of Scottish ice hockey and teams are now gearing up for the semi-finals in the Scottish Cup and further competition in the Northern League.

Who will be making it though to the Scottish Cup semi finals?

This weekend in Scottish ice hockey features exciting matchups, including the return leg of the Scottish Cup 1/4 finals and Northern League clashes.

SATURDAY:

  • Edinburgh Capitals meets Kirkcaldy Kestrels (Northern League) – Caps’ first Northern League game as they take on Kirkcaldy Kestrels who are sitting top of the Northern League table having already played 2 games.
  • Aberdeen Lynx faces North Ayrshire Wild – Lynx dominated last weekend with a 4-0 win at the Galleon Centre, but can the young teams from North Ayrshire turn the tide in front of the Aberdeen’s crowd and make it through to the semi finals?
  • Dundee Comets battles Dundee Tigers – Last week’s close encounter ended in the Comets’ favour with s 2-1 win. The Tigers will be hungry for a comeback in this Dundee derby, get set for what is sure to be another competitive game.

SUNDAY:

  • Edinburgh Capitals hosts Paisley Pirates – A busy weekend for the Capitals with a double header. The well drilled Edinburgh side will seeking to replicate last weekend’s 8-1 win, but Pirates will be well-rested but will have to keep their cool if they are to pull things back and stay in the competition.
  • Kirkcaldy Kestrels clashes with Kilmarnock Thunder – Kestrels look formidable after a their 7-1 victory last weekend against SNL leaders Thunder. It will be a very different game at the Fife Arena with the larger ice pad.

Keep up to date with all the weekends on ice action and follow your local teams on their social media channels.

Weekend Results 7/10 – 8/10

5 - 3
Scottish National League
2023-2024
Murrayfield Ice Rink

Edinburgh Capitals vs Kilmarnock Thunder

2 - 4
Scottish National League
2023-2024
Auchenharvie Leisure Centre

North Ayrshire Wild vs Dundee Comets

3 - 5
Scottish National League
2023-2024
Dundee Ice Arena

Dundee Tigers vs Aberdeen Lynx

5 - 6
Scottish National League
2023-2024
Braehead Arena

Paisley Pirates vs North Ayrshire Wild

2 - 4
Scottish National League
2023-2024
Fife Ice Arena

Kirkcaldy Kestrels vs Edinburgh Capitals

Weekend Roundup

Picture by Gordon Fowley

This weekend’s Scottish Ice Hockey action delivered thrilling games with two SNL clashes and the debut of the Northern League.

In the matchup between North Ayrshire Wild and Kilmarnock Thunder, it was set to be a hot fixture for Ayrshire. The game promised excitement as players had switched sides recently. Thunder’s Innes Gallacher set the tone with a lightning-fast goal just 2.23 seconds in, followed by Torran Anderson’s power play strike. Tensions flared, leading to Wild’s Scott Rae ejection from the game. Despite a fierce second period, neither team found the net until Kyle Howie scored for Wild at 35 minutes. The final score stood at Wild 1, Thunder 2.

Over at Linx Ice Arena, Aberdeen Lynx hosted the Dundee Tigers in their first home game of the season. Tiger’s net minder Dom Jaglar was under pressure from the Aberdeen Side, but he put in a great performance. The Tigers emerged victorious, highlighted by power-play goals from Callum Hill and a short-handed effort by Jack Henderson in the first period. The Tigers added two more in the second, while Lynx’s Gary Kelly notched one. Despite John Dolan’s first Lynx goal, the Tigers secured an 8-3 victory, keeping the Lynx at bay.

Sunday night saw the Northern League’s debut at the Gallon Centre as Kilmarnock Thunder faced the Kirkcaldy Kestrels. James Spence’s early goal set the Kestrels on course for victory, with two more before the end of the first period. Thunder’s Stephen Bonare scored in the second, but the Kestrels continued to dominate, securing a 5-1 lead by the third period. The Kestrels closed the game with two more goals for a decisive win.

NEW Northern league starts this weekend

Excitement is building as the Northern League kicks off this Sunday. This league brings together three Scottish ice hockey teams – Kilmarnock Thunder, Edinburgh Capitals, and Kirkcaldy Kestrels – along with EIHA team, the Blackburn Hawks.

Borne out of an initial suggestion from Hawks management, this league was met with enthusiasm from the Scottish teams that could make it happen. The relationship between the Blackburn Hawks and Kirkcaldy Kestrels, who share two-way players, adds an extra layer of camaraderie to the mix.

Last season, the SNL (Scottish National League) saw an increase in games, leading to a surge in the sport’s popularity. The Northern League aims to capitalise on this momentum, offering fans and players alike more competitive games that promise to enhance the development of ice hockey in Scotland.

The format is simple yet exciting: each team will play one home game and one away game, with the top team in the league taking home the title.

This weekend, Kirkcaldy Kestrels will travel to Kilmarnock to face off against Kilmarnock Thunder, promising a thrilling showdown. However, it won’t be an easy weekend for Kilmarnock Thunder, as they face North Ayrshire Wild the day before in a SNL game, making for a challenging back-to-back series.

Scottish ice hockey fans, get ready for an action-packed season ahead!