Tag: Scotland

Wrapping Up the Riga Ice Hockey Tournament

It was the final day of the exhilarating Riga Ice Hockey tournament, the air was charged with a mixture of anticipation and reflection. The ice has witnessed countless battles between young talents, and on this last day, the Scotland Juniors prepared to give their all in their final matches. Let’s take a closer look at the intense action that unfolded during the concluding day of the tournament and the invaluable experiences the teams take home.

U13s Showcase Determination: The morning began with the U13s taking to the ice against the formidable Riga team. Despite the scoreboard showing a 2-10 loss, the young Scots displayed remarkable grit and effort, proving that they could hold their own against strong competition. The momentum continued as they faced off against Prizma, fighting valiantly and narrowly losing with a score of 3-2. The Scotland U13s may not have secured a draw or a win, but their performance showcased their dedication and spirit, leaving spectators impressed by their tenacity until the very end.

U15s Face Tough Opposition: The U15s had a challenging day on the ice against the formidable Riga team, which secured victories in both games. Despite the scorelines, the U15s demonstrated resilience, determination, and a never-give-up attitude that are the hallmarks of true sportsmanship. These encounters, although difficult, undoubtedly offer the U15s a chance to learn, evolve, and hone their skills as they continue their journey in the world of ice hockey.

A Valuable Tournament Experience: As the Riga Ice Hockey tournament draws to a close, the Scotland Juniors can reflect on the valuable experiences and memories they’ve gained. This tournament was more than just a series of matches; it was an opportunity for these young athletes to challenge themselves, learn from their peers, and gain insights that will shape their growth in the sport. The U13s and U15s showcased heart, dedication, and camaraderie throughout the competition, representing their nation with pride.

Scotland Juniors Embrace Challenges and Victories at Riga

The excitement continued to brew on the second day of the Riga Tournament in Latvia as young Scottish ice hockey talents took to the rink once again. The day was filled with spirited matches, early morning breakfasts, and a mix of challenges and triumphs for both the U13s and U15s teams.

U13s Face a Tough Start

The day began with an early team breakfast for the U13s, setting the stage for their first game against the formidable Falcons. Spirits were high as the young athletes fueled up, ready to give it their all on the ice. The puck dropped at 9:15 am, signaling the start of what would be a challenging match against a skilled Falken team. Despite their determined efforts, the U13s faced a tough opponent and suffered a 7-1 defeat. While the scoreline may not have been in their favour, the young Scots showcased their determination and sportsmanship throughout the game.

U13s Schedule

U15s Secure a Convincing Victory

Meanwhile, the U15s team enjoyed a more leisurely start to their day, with a face-off scheduled at 1:00 pm against HS Kurbands. The U15s were eager to make their mark in the tournament and their hard work paid off as they displayed great teamwork, skill, and determination on the ice. The U15s secured a remarkable 3-0 victory, showcasing their prowess and resilience.

U15s Schedule

Looking Ahead

As the tournament progresses, both the U13s and U15s teams are gearing up for more action-packed days. Tomorrow, the U13s have two challenging matches lined up. First, they’ll face HK Prizma, an opportunity for redemption and a chance to showcase their growth and determination. Later in the day, they’ll once again cross paths with the Falcons, aiming to put up a strong fight and learn from their experiences.

The U15s are also set for an exciting day ahead, with two matches on their schedule. Their first match is against Sostine Hockey, where they’ll look to build on their recent victory and continue their winning streak. Later in the day, they’ll take on Olaines Vilki, a match that promises intense competition and a chance for the U15s to solidify their presence in the tournament.

Scotland’s U12s & U14s Teams Gear Up for Riga

The excitement is palpable as our Scotland’s U12s and U14s teams have safely arrived in the beautiful city of Riga for the highly anticipated tournament. The young athletes, accompanied by their dedicated coaches have wasted no time in diving into training in preparation for the competition that lies ahead.

A Day of Preparation and Anticipation

Upon their arrival in Riga yesterday, the teams quickly settled in, knowing that they have a significant challenge ahead. Today was dedicated to honing their skills, refining their strategies, and perfecting their teamwork.

A Grueling Showdown Tomorrow

Tomorrow promises to be a defining day for these young Scottish athletes as they step onto the ice to face off against formidable opponents in the Riga tournament. The U15s team are to compete against Kurdabs Hockey Club and HK Prisma. The U13s team, on the other hand, will be taking on the challenges posed by HK Prisma and Falcons.

An early start will mark the beginning of the tournament, setting the tone for an action-packed day of intense matchups. Each game presents an opportunity for these talented players to showcase their dedication, perseverance, and love for the sport.

The New Scotland Away Kit

Adding to the team’s sense of unity and pride is the new Scotland Away kit. Dressed in their new kit, the players exude confidence and determination, ready to carry the Scottish flag onto the international ice hockey stage.

A Message of Encouragement

As the teams prepare to take on their opponents, we send them our best wishes and a message of encouragement. We believe in their abilities and their capacity to shine. The dedication they have shown through their training and the bonds they have forged with their teammates will undoubtedly propel them forward.

#goScotland

U16 Team Competing in the 2023 EMF U16 Tournament in Hamikovo, Slovakia

Good Luck to our U16 team this weekend who have flown to Hamikovo just outside Bratislava in Slovakia to compete in the 2023 EMF u16 Tournament. The competition runs over 3 days where they will play 5 full 3 x 20 min stopped clock games versus England, Hamoikovo (Slovak) and Czech Elite Hockey. 

Jamie Thomson (SIH) said, “This is our fourth visit to the EMF over the years. This year our team are up against some very strong competition which is exactly what we are looking for. We want them pushed and tested at as high a level as possible. Win lose or draw, they come off the ice having played a hard game and giving everything they have. 

Well done and good luck to the following players making the trip. 

ClubName
Head Coach Owen Reynolds 
Assistant CoachAaron Gregor 
Assistant CoachKyle Horne
Assistant CoachRobert Henderson
SOLWAYTomas Vyrostek
SOLWAY Owen Rae
SOLWAY Logan Reid
SOLWAYConnor Lee
SOLWAY Bailey Thomson
SOLWAY Ewan Duignan
NORTH AYR Liam Houston
NORTH AYR Flynn Massie
LANARKSHIRERobbie Henderson
LANARKSHIRERobbie Thompson
KIRKCALDYJohn Haig 
KILMARNOCKGregor Donaldson
DUNDEEEthan Hardie
DUNDEEJaydn Baxter
DUNDEEAaron Wood
DUNDEEEvelyn Brown
BELFASTJude Beattie
ABERDEENConnor Nelson
ABERDEENLogan Gordon

Exciting Details for 23/24 National Program Announced

Scottish Ice Hockey (SIH) has announced the details of their national program for the 23/24 season. Jamie Thomson, Head of Hockey Operations, expressed his excitement about refreshing the national program and providing clubs with ample time to organise players and encourage participation in the upcoming season.

For the next season, the age groups will follow the traditional format, including under 11 (u11), under 13 (u13), under 15 (u15), and under 17 (u17). Additionally, the program will continue to have sessions specific to NM players, and there are plans to host at least one under 19 (u19) game, if not more.

The program will be held at the Dumfries Ice Bowl for the 23/24 season, and the SIH extends their gratitude to the facility’s management for their assistance in organizing the program.

One significant change is that the coaches will be instructed to maintain a larger squad of approximately 40 players, along with 4 NM’s, from September to December, without making any cuts.

Following this period, a two-day event will be hosted in Dumfries. During this event, each squad will be divided into East and West teams, and several games will be played to allow the coaches to evaluate the players in a competitive setting. Subsequently, the coaches will select a “20 + 2 Scotland Squad” based on their assessments.

To ensure participants are well-informed and can plan accordingly, the SIH aims to provide a pack detailing the games, tournaments, and other relevant information for the entire season during the first session in September. This will allow players and organisers to have a clear understanding of the goals and help them get organised from day one.

DATES FOR 23/24 SEASON

National Training Days:

  • September 24
  • October 29
  • November 26
  • January 21
  • February 25
  • March 31
  • April 28

SIH Squad Games:

  • December 28/29

It is important for clubs to note that no club fixtures will be scheduled on any of these dates, as they are dedicated to the SIH national program activities.

Successful Test Event Prompts Scottish Ice Hockey to Expand Competitive Youth Games

On Saturday 20th May Scottish Ice Hockey (SIH) ran a test event in Dumfries that saw Under 10s, Under 12s and Under 20s players from all over Scotland take part. The players were split into teams based on home club location then played each other over the course of the day.

The event was a trial with the hope that the games would be very competitive, and the result proved that theory correct. The day was deemed an overall success and something Scottish Ice Hockey will now look to expend on.

Head of Hockey Operations, Jamie Thomson, said, “East V West is something I’ve been wanting to reintroduce for a few years now and this event gave us a chance to prove it works.

We need our players playing more and they must play at a level that they are always having to battle to compete. It’s vitally important that this is our main focus when it comes to junior hockey moving forward.

These games also give coaches looking at national and international team selection a chance to see players actually play in a like for like situation, some players are fantastic on training and at trials but the best players should come to the top during these games so overall it’s win win for everyone involved.”

An Exciting Rivalry Renewed

Over the weekend, the Dumfries Ice Bowl witnessed an exhilarating 4-game series between the U14 and U16 ice hockey players from Scotland and England.

This event was organised with the collaboration of the England program, and the Head of Hockey Operations, Jamie Thomson, expressed his delight and the potential for future growth. “I’m so pleased we put this together with help of the England programme.

Some of the hockey played was exceptional on both sides and it just backed up my belief that this is something we must now build on and make it at minimum an annual event. The rivalry between Scotland and England is legendary and it really brought out the best in the players, playing for each other and the jersey.

Talks are already underway on expanding these games over more age groups next season and with the buy in from EIHA it will prove to be an even bigger success.

Finally I’d like to thank some people on behalf of Scottish Ice Hockey as without them this weekend we have no event, All the coaches and team officials, our wonderful volunteers that covered every single game over the weekend. Thank you Craigie (Solway Sharks Announcer) Leanne, Cat, Linda, Kerry and Lyndsey and everyone else who dropped in over the weekend to help we really appreciated it and couldn’t have done it without your help.”

Keep your eyes on our website and socials for more announcements as the plans progress.

Scottish Ice Hockey to Host U10, U12, and U20 Trial Event for Enhanced National Programme

Scottish Ice Hockey is pleased to announce a trial event aimed at exploring ways to further enhance their programme.

The event will feature U10, U12, and U20 players from across the country who will be divided into two squads, East and West, to play against each other.

The main objective of the event is to have more players on the ice playing at a competitive level, which will enable coaching staff to evaluate their performance and determine their development needs accurately.

All junior clubs affiliated with SIH have been informed about this event, and players will be notified through their club chairs.

The East v West format is expected to become a regular feature across all age groups as SIH continues to develop its national programme. Therefore, SIH urges all clubs and players requested to attend the trial event to support it and help ensure its success.

Clubs WestClubs East
Solway SharksKirkaldy JIHC
Kilmarnock JIHCDundee Stars Jnrs
North Ayrshire WildMurrayfield JIHC
Ayr BruinsAberdeen Lynx JIHC
Belfast Jnr GiantsInverness Highlanders
Lanarkshire LightningMorey JIHC

Date: May 20th
Start Time: 1:45 pm
Running Schedule:   U12 – East vs West, U10 – East vs West, U12 – East Vs West, U20 – East vs West 

Tickets for the East vs West day will be available online to purchase from Monday 15th May a further post will be released with a link and purchase information. 

If you have any questions regarding these games, then please ask your club chair to contact us at Nationalprog@scottishicehockey.co.uk  or Jamie.Thomson@Scottishicehockey.co.uk 

Scotland National Development teams announced

Scottish Ice Hockey are pleased to announce our u12, u14 and u16 teams that will take part in various events I’ve the next few months.

These teams are selected from players that have attended this seasons National development days. Congratulations to all the players on there selection and enjoy the upcoming games.

U16s
Connor
Nelson		Aberdeen
Logan
Gordon		Aberdeen
Jude BeattieBelfast
Gregor
Donaldson		Kilmarnock
Robbie
Henderson		Lanarkshire
Robbie
Thomson		Lanarkshire
Liam HoustonNorth Ayr
Flynn MassieNorth Ayr
John HaigKirkcaldy
Joe
Somerville		Kirkcaldy
Jaydn BaxterDundee
Ethan HardieDundee
Aaron WoodDundee
Evelyn BrownDundee
Ewan DuignanSolway
Owen RaeSolway
Tomas
Vyrostek		Solway
Connor LeeSolway
Bailey
Thomson		Solway
Logan ReidSolway
U14s
Daniel
Hadden		Lanarkshire
Harris
McMillan		Lanarkshire
Paul
Corrigan		Lanarkshire
Zack
Docherty		Lanarkshire
Caiden ForbesKirkcaldy
Cole
Gianndrea		Kirkcaldy
Barri O’HareKirkcaldy
Finlay OneilKirkcaldy
Cole WallaceKirkcaldy
Callum
McLaren		Kirkcaldy
Mylo WylieKilmarnock
Lennon
Deeney		North Ayr
Zac ThomsonAberdeen
Shay
Stephen		Aberdeen
Dee FultonBelfast
William-John
Hanna		Belfast
Caleb WalkerDundee
Jadon LawrieDundee
U12s
Aaron GuildKirkcaldy
Alex ChristieDundee
Ben SpearsKirkcaldy
Cameron LeesLanarkshire
Charlie
McLean		Kirkcaldy
Cole
Chalmers		Solway
Crawford
Murray		Lanarkshire
Dylan
Ferguson		Belfast
Harry HudsonKirkcaldy
Jackson
Harvey		Lanarkshire
Jackson
O’Neil		Kirkcaldy
Maki
MacAskill		Dundee
Murray
Johnston		Lanarkshire
Max KingLanarkshire
Nikita TuzovLanarkshire
Ryan VentersKirkcaldy
Tyler
Crawford		Lanarkshire

North meets South in National Development finale.

We are excited to announce the schedule and ticket release for the upcoming Scotland V England Junior Games. 

The games will take place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th of May at Dumfries Ice Bowl and feature players at u14 and U16 age groups. 

SIH Head of Hockey Operations, Jamie Thomson, said, “ I’m delighted that these games are going ahead. I’d like to thank the EIHA and their lead on this project Seth Bennett, for the proactive approach to making it happen.

This is a great event for us to sign off this season with. We relaunch our national programme in September this year and more events like this will become a regular occurrence. This year has proven to be a real test at national level, lack of ice time, lack of tournaments to attend, cost of travel etc. So pulling this together is a big win and I’m sure the kids are going to love it. 

The tournament will consist of Scotland playing England 3 times over the 2 days in full stopped clock games. Any draws will feature 3v3 in overtime and penalty shots, as we look to replicate the senior level as much as possible. The 4th game for each age group will be a very interesting watch, as we merge team Scotland and England together and draft 2 teams that will go head to head on Sunday afternoon to close the event.”

Seth Bennett, EIHA England V Scotland Series lead, commented, “ This is a great opportunity for the players to play in a really competitive England V Scotland Series. It has been fantastic to work with Jamie and SIH to create an event which is going to bring 12 periods of competitive hockey for each age group” 

I know the players are excited about this opportunity to play against Scotland and hopefully we are going to see some really completive hockey over the two days” 

SATURDAYTEAMSUNDAYTEAM
10amSCOTLAND V ENGLAND U14 8.30amSCOTLAND V ENGLAND U16 
1PM SCOTLAND V ENGLAND U16 10.45AM SCOTLAND V ENGLAND U14 
3.30PM SCOTLAND V ENGLAND U14 1PM u16 Draft Game 
6PM SCOTLAND V ENGLAND U16 3.15PM U14 Draft Game 

It’s set to be a fantastic weekend of competitive hockey and not one to be missed. Tickets are available NOW online, we encourage everyone to purchase their tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. 

BOOK HERE