Picture by Andy Keith
The final round of Scottish ice hockey fixtures before Christmas delivered a full schedule of competitive action across the Scottish National League, with important points on offer on both Saturday and Sunday nights.
On Saturday, Aberdeen Lynx secured a 4–2 home win over Whitley Warriors. The hosts held a 1–0 advantage at the end of the first period before both sides found the net in the second, maintaining the Lynx lead heading into the final frame. A strong third period saw Aberdeen score twice, with the Warriors replying once, allowing the Lynx to extend their advantage and close out the victory.
North Ayrshire Wild also claimed a home win, defeating Kilmarnock Thunder 5–2. After one goal apiece in each of the first two periods, the game swung decisively in the third. Wild scored three times, including two power-play goals, with Thunder’s high penalty count proving costly at a crucial stage of the contest.
Sunday’s action began in Paisley, where Paisley Pirates recorded a 4–2 victory over Kirkcaldy Kestrels. The Pirates led 2–1 after the opening period before each side added a goal in the second. Paisley then added a further goal in the third period to secure the points on home ice.
In Dundee, the Dundee Rockets completed a weekend double over Aberdeen Lynx with a 4–2 win. The contest was closer than the scoreline suggested, with the second period proving decisive as Dundee moved ahead before managing the closing stages effectively.
The weekend concluded with a convincing performance from Solway Sharks SNL, who earned a 6–2 win against Kilmarnock Thunder. Discipline again played a key role, with three of Solway’s goals coming on the power play. Shots on goal were similar at both ends, with chances created by each side, but Solway were more clinical with the man advantage.
With the final games before Christmas now completed, attention quickly turns to the next round of Scottish National League fixtures, with teams back on the ice next weekend as the season continues through the festive period.
