Picture by Andy Keith Photography
The 2025/26 Scottish National League season got underway on Saturday with three fixtures across the country, signalling the start of another campaign of competitive hockey. This year’s competition has grown to nine clubs, with Whitley Warriors and Solway Sharks SNL joining the league for the first time. Only Whitley took to the ice on opening weekend, while Solway await their debut in the weeks ahead.
Opening night carried an emotional significance beyond the hockey itself. Before any puck was dropped, each game began with a heartfelt tribute to Gary Kelly, the former Aberdeen Lynx player who had also previously iced for Whitley Warriors and, briefly, the Dundee Rockets, and who tragically passed away during the summer. Players, officials, and supporters across the league stood together in a minute’s applause to honour his memory.
In Aberdeen, where Kelly had worn the number 12 jersey, the tribute was especially poignant. Both the Lynx and Warriors laid wreaths at centre ice, and Aberdeen formally retired the number across both their senior and junior sides — a lasting gesture to a player who meant so much to the club and the wider Scottish hockey community.
With tributes paid, attention turned to the hockey — and if these first three results are anything to go by, the season promises to be unpredictable, hard-fought, and full of storylines as teams look to establish themselves early.
Aberdeen Lynx 3 – 6 Whitley Warriors
Aberdeen Lynx opened their season at home but fell 6–3 to league debutants Whitley Warriors. For much of the night the game was finely balanced, but a strong third-period push saw the visitors take control.
The Lynx opened the scoring midway through the first when Mark Laing converted a power play opportunity. Whitley responded late in the period through Cameron Ware, tying the game just before the break.
The second period continued in the same fashion, with chances at both ends but little to separate the sides. Jack Flynn’s strike put Aberdeen ahead once more, only for Philip Edgar to reply almost immediately. Jay Lucas then edged Whitley in front, sending the Warriors into the final frame with a narrow lead.
New signing Jaydn Baxter gave the home crowd a lift early in the third when he equalised to make it 3–3. But Whitley quickly reasserted themselves — Lucas Campion restored their advantage, before Edgar added his second of the night and Jamie Ord struck on the power play to complete a 6–3 win.
The Warriors marked their first SNL game with a solid win built on a strong third period, while Aberdeen will look to tighten up defensively and find more consistency ahead of next weekend’s clash with North Ayrshire Wild.
Kirkcaldy Kestrels 1 – 3 Paisley Pirates
Over in Fife, Kirkcaldy Kestrels and Paisley Pirates played out a close encounter that was only decided in the final minutes.
Calum Blair gave Paisley the perfect start with an early opener, but Jamie Wilson’s reply ensured the sides went into the first break level. The second period brought no further scoring, leaving everything to play for in the last twenty.
Ryan Campbell restored the Pirates’ advantage midway through the third, and Robbie Thomson’s late strike sealed the points for the visitors.
The outcome was a reversal of a recent pre-season friendly between the sides, where the Kestrels had run out 4–1 winners — proof, if needed, that league games bring a very different edge.
Kilmarnock Thunder 3 – 12 North Ayrshire Wild
The weekend’s highest scoreline came in Ayrshire, where North Ayrshire Wild powered to a 12–3 road win over local rivals Kilmarnock Thunder.
Wild raced into a commanding lead in the first period with goals from Dylan Murray (2), Liam Houston, Lewis McCrindle, Lennon Deeney and Scott Cowan. Thunder’s bright moment came courtesy of 15-year-old Mylo Wylie, who netted his first senior goal to the delight of the home support.
Cowan completed his hat trick in the middle frame, supported by Jack Neil, while Thunder replied through Keir Anderson and Andy Barr. The final period saw Murray round off his total to 4 goals, with Tom Morgenthaler adding a further goal to round off a comprehensive performance.
Both goaltenders were heavily tested — Caiden McCall stopping 36 shots for Wild, while Thunder split duties between Thomas Mangan and Matthew Reid who faced a relentless barrage. Penalties also influenced the flow of the contest, with Thunder spending twice as long in the box as their visitors, a factor that added to the uphill battle.
Closing Thoughts
The first weekend of league action brought three very different contests, underlining how unpredictable the Scottish National League can be. Whitley Warriors began life in the SNL with a solid win built on a strong third period, Paisley Pirates showed their finishing touch in Fife, while North Ayrshire Wild registered a big opening-night scoreline against Kilmarnock Thunder.
With Solway Sharks SNL still waiting to make their league debut, and other teams such as defending champions Dundee Rockets yet to take to the ice, the shape of the season remains wide open. What is clear is that every side is eager to make their mark early in what promises to be one of the most competitive campaigns yet.
