Tag: Scottish Cup

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

A great turn out for Scottish Cup finals day

Aberdeen played host the Scottish Cup Finals on Saturday as all age groups took to the ice to compete for the final piece of silverware this season.

It was an early start for the U12 finalists with Fife and Lanarkshire making the journey North. Kit bags lined the foyer of the Linx Ice Arena but the excitement levels were high as the youngsters waited to be shown to their changing rooms where fresh fruit and juices were waiting to keep them fuelled and hydrated.

Parents took their seats in the stands as the arena lights dimmed and turned to blue, the DJ cranked up the volume and the two U12 teams emerged from the tunnel to the cheering crowd.

Fife took a 2-1 lead in the first period but Lanarkshire dug deep and turned it around in the 2nd scoring 4 goals. It was 2-5 going into the last period with both sides giving it their all but Lanarkshire extended their lead scoring a goal whilst on the power play and clinched the win!

The Zamboni was out for a quick ice cut whilst the crowd grabbed an early morning hotdog as the U14s lined up in the tunnel. Looking around the stands it was great to see some of Aberdeen Lynx’s SNL team had popped down to cheer the juniors on.

There was a mix of excitement and nerves as the youngsters made their way out onto the ice but after a quick warmup it was time for puck drop.

Less than 2 minutes in and Aberdeen opened the scoring but Fife equalised just moment later. Aberdeen followed with 2 more goals whilst on the power play to end the period 3-1. The 2nd period saw Fife gain momentum and add 4 goals to their total whilst Aberdeen added 2. It was 5-5 going into the last period and all to play for. Aberdeen bagged another goal just 28 seconds in and quickly followed with a second. With the clock ticking down Fife took advantage of the power play and netted 6 goals finishing 11-7 to Fife.

The arena was buzzing after such an exhilarating game and the stands were filling up with hockey fans coming to support their teams and to enjoy some fantastic cup final games.

With the lights at blue once more and AC/DC blasting it was the the turn of Solway and Fife’s U16s to take to the ice. The first period saw both sides create plenty of opportunities but neither side managed to find the back of the net. The 2nd period also ended 0-0 with Solway taking plenty shots on goal, but just couldn’t get them past Fife’s net minder. It was all down to the last period and 8 minutes before the end, Solway bagged the first goal, and then a 2nd one just 4 seconds before the end of the game, finishing 2-0.

With three Scottish Cup trophies won it was the last juniors game of the day. North Ayr and Fife U19s faced off in what turned out to be quite a heated game. The 1st period saw North Ayr on the offensive but it was the last two minutes of the period before they managed to net 2 goals. 2-0 going into the 2nd period and Fife scored their first goal but North Ayr added three more goals to their total and things were getting a little spicy, with the penalty box getting lots of action from both sides. With tensions running high Fife tried hard to get onto the scoreboard but North Ayr kept the pressure on and bagged a further 3 goals winning 8-1.

With 4 fantastic games played the anticipation was building as Aberdeen Lynx and Dundee Comets kitted up for another head to head. Two queues stretched around the arena as fans patiently waited for the doors to open.

Only 6 days had passed since the two teams last met in the final for the Playoffs at Murrayfield, where the Comets had clinched the title. This game was massive for both sides, Aberdeen had won the League and the Comets won the Playoffs, this was the last piece of silverware that was up for grabs this season.

Aberdeen came out strong but it was the Comets that were first to score. Aberdeen kept their cool and kept up the pace by netting 2 goal by the end of the period. 5 minutes into the start of the 2nd the Lynx bagged their 3rd goal of the night, but a Power Play for the Comets gave them a chance to narrow the scoreline with their 2nd goal. 3-2 going into the 3rd period the crowd were on the edge of their seats as the Lynx were on the defence. The clock ticked down and time was running out for the Comets. With just over a minute to go until the end they took the risk and pulled their goalie and the gamble paid off as they scored an equaliser! All even at 3-3 and the game went to overtime, but a minute and a half later the Comets scored and the Scottish Cup title was won.

A fantastic day for both players and fans. A showcase for the young talent that is coming through our junior clubs and it’s great to see the growing fanbase for the sport in Scotland. What a day, 12 hours of hockey, 5 games played, 10 teams who gave it their all on the ice and a team of volunteers who rolled up their sleeves, pitched in and helped make it a day to remember!

WEEKEND REVIEW: Thunder played a storm against Caps and Lynx in with a chance of the treble.

The 2nd leg of the Playoff 1/4 finals took place on Saturday, and it was a thrilling weekend with the last opportunity for the teams to advance to the next round and keep their Playoff hopes alive.

Kilmarnock Thunder managed to secure their spot in the Playoff semi-finals, despite losing 4-3 to Edinburgh Capitals. Thunder advanced on points, after a closely fought game. 

Capitals came out strong, with Ross Beowick scoring a goal just a minute and a half into the game, followed by Joel Gautschi adding another goal for the Caps. However, Kilmarnock Thunder fought back and managed to score two goals by the end of the first period, bringing the scoreline to an even 2-2. 

In the second period, the Capitals scored twice more, but Innes Gallacher of Thunder netted his second goal of the evening, making it 4-3 in favour of Capitals. 

The last period was intense, with both teams struggling to create scoring opportunities. The game ended with a 4-3 win for Capitals.

Dundee Comets also secured their place in the semi-finals with a 3-2 win against Kirkcaldy Kestrels. 

John Dolan opened the scoring for the Comets less than six minutes after puck drop. In the second period, Kyle Horn scored for the Kestrels, but the Comets quickly responded with another goal. 

The game came down to the wire, with Comets scoring the winning goal less than 90 seconds from the end.

Paisley Pirates v Dundee Tigers PO 1/4 final at Braehead Arena, Renfrew on 1 April 2023. Picture: Al Goold (www.algooldphoto.com) Twitter: @AlGooldPhoto Insta: @Clanphotos

It was a bittersweet weekend for the Pirates, as they won on Saturday, securing their place in the Playoff semi-finals, but suffered a loss on Sunday against Aberdeen, which knocked them out of the Scottish Cup. 

The playoff game against the Dundee Tigers was a nail-biter, with the Pirates dominating throughout the first two periods and leading 4-1 going into the last period. But the Tigers fought back and equalised forcing it into overtime and then to penalty shots. Pirates’ Gary Simpson scored the winning goal when it went to the penalty shootout.

Aberdeen Lynx had a very successful weekend, with an 11-1 win against North Ayrshire Wild on Saturday, securing their place in the Playoffs next weekend. 

On Sunday, they faced off against Paisley Pirates at Murrayfield and bagged a 4-3 win, securing their place in the Scottish Cup. After winning the league this season, Aberdeen now has a chance at more silverware and potentially the treble.

Aberdeen Lynx will be facing Kilmarnock Thunder and Paisley Pirates will take on Dundee Comets in the Playoff semi-finals at Murrayfield on Saturday. The winners will then play in the final on Sunday.

The following Saturday (15th April) is the season finale in Aberdeen where all age groups will be playing in the Scottish Cup finals. Aberdeen Lynx (seniors) will be facing off against Dundee Comets.

What a competitive season it has been and these last two weekends of hockey are not to be missed as there is sure to be more tight scores.

WEEKEND REVIEW: Leyden pleased at timely boost

Aberdeen Lynx player-coach Jordan Leyden says Saturday’s 14-2 Scottish Cup win over Kilmarnock Thunder gives them a confidence boost.

The SNL leaders moved into the semi-finals with a comfortable victory which gets them ready for Sunday’s big game against Edinburgh Capitals at Murrayfield.

And Leyden was pleased at how his team kept going despite being comfortable winners in a game that Kilmarnock would probably like to forget.

“The weekend was a really good win for us and an emphatic one,” Leyden said. “I was really pleased with the guys and they didn’t take their foot off the gas.

“They struck to the game plan and kept things simple and while it was good to get on the scoresheet myself, it was good for the others to do so as well.

“We were maybe needing a little boost of confidence and we certainly got that with this result and it helps with a big game this weekend.”

Despite Ewan Anderson’s opening goal inside the first minute and a half, Lynx were never going to let that stand and promptly grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck.

Paisley needed penalty shots to get past Dundee Tigers (PHOTO: Al Goold)

By the end of the first, Aberdeen had romped into a 6-1 lead then ended the second 11-1 up, which showed Thunder had no answer for their rampant opponents.

Hat-tricks from Leyden and James DeMeo, along with doubles from Kyle MacPhail and Owen Michie made it a great night for Lynx.

Joining them in the last four is Paisley Pirates, who needed penalty shots to get past Dundee Tigers in a close game at Braehead Arena on Sunday.

Garry Simpson’s opening goal was cancelled out by Jack Henderson in the first before Gary Parker edged the Pirates in front again.

Paul Guilcher pulled the Tigers level in the second period but there was no further breakthrough until the game went to penalty shots, where Mikey Dobson settled the tie.

Kirkcaldy Kestrels and Edinburgh Capitals also contested something of a thriller, with both sides sharing 11 goals, with Kestrels scoring six of them.

Scott Jamieson picked up three goals and an assist to help Kirkcaldy beat Edinburgh (PHOTO: Flyers Images)

Capitals were 2-1 up after the first as Joe Lynch and Alex Christian scored either side of Jamie Crawford’s powerplay finish.

A Scott Jamieson hat-trick put Kirkcaldy 4-2 ahead, but Edinburgh hit back through Chad Smith and Christian, with this second to level before edging in front in the third courtesy of Andrey Ogloblin.

Kestels managed to turn it around as Conor Duncan netted twice to turn the game around and confirm a path into the semi-finals to complete the line-up.

The weekend’s only SNL game saw Dundee Comets move up to third place as they saw off North Ayrshire Wild in a 7-2 win.

Dylan Murray’s opening goal for Wild was soon cancelled out Darren Donaldson and Comets were 3-1 ahead by the end of the second as Ben Brown and Iain Bowie found the net.

Richard Hartmann’s men continued where they left off as Lewis Neave and Sean Beattie scored goals four and five and although North Ayrshire’s Jack Forsyth pulled one back, Comets weren’t done.

Donaldson and Brown each picked up their second markers of the night to confirm victory and clinched the four points to move them just behind city rivals Dundee Tigers in the standings.

RESULTS

Saturday

Scottish Cup

Aberdeen Lynx 14 Kilmarnock Thunder 2

Sunday

SNL

Dundee Comets 7 North Ayrshire Wild 2

Scottish Cup

Paisley Pirates 3 Dundee Tigers 2 (After penalty shots)

Kirkcaldy Kestrels 6 Edinburgh Capitals 5

PREVIEW: Hartmann taking no chances against Wild

Dundee Comets head coach Richard Hartmann believes it’s crucial for his team to get four points this weekend.

North Ayrshire Wild are providing the opposition in the only SNL game of the weekend – with the others all involved in Scottish Cup action – and Hartmann is going all out to make sure his team get the win.

Just a couple of weeks after thrashing Wild 12-0 in a cup tie, the Comets boss insists he’s not being complacent in his preparations for the latest meeting between the clubs.

“It was a massive loss to Aberdeen last week and at being 3-2 up after two periods, we seemed to run out of gas in the third,” he said.

“It makes this Sunday’s game with North Ayrshire Wild a crucial one for us to win.  While we beat them comfortably a couple of weeks ago, we’re not taking this one lightly.

“The four-point game is always tough for us and you always need to be prepared or the other team can punish you.

Wild and Comets meet again two weeks since their Scottish Cup clash (PHOTO: Jennifer Thomson)

“We need to be aware and play hard from the start to make sure we get the points and although we’re a little short just now, we have to be ready for it.”

A big result, like the one they got against the Ayrshire side, would put them second place, just ahead of local rivals Dundee Tigers on goal difference.

For Wild, after suffering double digit defeats in their last two games, will look to close the gap on Kilmarnock Thunder just above them in the table.

Head coach Domenico De Simone welcomed Jamie Miller to the club, with the returning signing given Wild an option in their roster.

This weekend also sees the remaining Scottish Cup quarter finals played as Comets wait to see who will join them in the last four.

Pirates and Tigers meet in the cup after the Dundee side won in overtime there last month (PHOTO: Al Goold)

On Saturday, Aberdeen Lynx will look to return to winning ways when they host Thunder in their cup tie, having won two of their last three games at the Linx Arena.

For Kilmarnock, after two straight wins over SNL champions Kirkcaldy Kestrels, they were brought back to earth with a sobering 8-2 loss at Dundee Tigers.

Sunday sees the Tigers head to Braehead Arena to face Paisley Pirates in their tie and with the memory of a 4-3 overtime win there five weeks ago.

Ian Turley’s men are out to bounce back after they were thumped 6-1 at home to Kirkcaldy Kestrels, a defeat he branded “shocking” and “unacceptable.”

Kestrels will still be enjoying the glow of victory again after four straight losses as they host Edinburgh Capitals, who are playing their first game in three weeks.

Capitals’ return to Murrayfield is a matter of just over a week away, but will want to make amends for the 3-1 league loss they suffered on the other side of the Forth earlier in the season.

FIXTURES

Saturday

Scottish Cup

Aberdeen Lynx v Kilmarnock Thunder (7.15pm)

Sunday

SNL

Dundee Comets v North Ayrshire Wild (6pm)

Scottish Cup

Paisley Pirates v Dundee Tigers (5pm)
Kirkcaldy Kestrels v Edinburgh Capitals (Scottish Cup)