Picture by Richard Wiseman
The Scottish National League (SNL) delivered a weekend full of excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. Fans were treated to everything from nail-biting shootouts to commanding performances and physical showdowns. With teams battling for early-season dominance the action on the ice did not disappoint. The race is on to make an early mark on standings, these games showcased the intensity and passion of Scottish ice hockey, with new storylines emerging and rivalries intensifying. Here’s how the weekend’s fixtures played out.
Saturday: Dundee Rockets 1 – 2 Aberdeen Lynx (After Penalties)
The Dundee Rockets’ inaugural game at the Dundee Ice Arena was one to remember, with over 1,300 fans packed in for a rollercoaster night of hockey. Both teams fought tooth and nail for control in a tense first two periods, where neither side could find the back of the net, leaving fans on edge as the final period loomed.
In the third, Rockets’ Sam McCluskey sent the home side into a frenzy with the first goal in the new team’s history, giving Dundee a late lead. However, with time running out, Lynx’s Jordan Leyden took full advantage of a power play to tie the game in dramatic fashion with less than two minutes left on the clock.
The game headed into 3-on-3 overtime, but neither side could break the deadlock, thanks to standout performances from both netminders. It was Leyden again who emerged victorious, scoring the winning penalty in the shootout and securing the Lynx’s third straight win of the season.
We caught up with coach/player Jordan Leyden, who said, “I’m very pleased with the result from the weekend. I think the draw in the end was probably a fair outcome, but someone had to come out as the winner. It was a great crowd for the first Rockets game, and it was fantastic to see such a big traveling support as well.”
Aberdeen Lynx now sit second in the league with six points, trailing only the Edinburgh Capitals on goal difference. The Rockets, despite the loss, showed they’re a force to be reckoned with in their debut outing.
Saturday: Edinburgh Capitals 5 – 2 Paisley Pirates
Saturday’s matchup between Edinburgh Capitals and Paisley Pirates was a fiercely physical contest at Murrayfield Ice Rink. The Capitals came out flying, with relentless pressure on the Pirates in the first period, netting three goals in quick succession and setting the tone for the night.
In the second period, Pirates swapped netminders, bringing in Daniel McGowan to stem the Capitals’ attack. Though Edinburgh added another to make it 4-0, Pirates’ Martyn Simpson responded with a power-play goal, offering the visitors some hope heading into the final frame.
The Pirates found some momentum in the third period, with Simpson once again finding the net to make it 4-2, but the Capitals shut down any chance of a comeback. A short-handed goal by Adam Robinson sealed the win, maintaining Edinburgh’s perfect record and keeping them atop the league with six points from three games. Pirates, meanwhile, sit in fourth with two points, but it’s early days yet for the season.
Sunday: Kirkcaldy Kestrels 6 – 0 North Ayrshire Wild
Sunday’s clash at the Fife Ice Arena saw Kirkcaldy Kestrels dominate North Ayrshire Wild in a one-sided affair. The Kestrels, eager to climb the standings, came out with intensity from the first puck drop, piling relentless pressure on Wild’s young netminder, Liam Griffin, who held strong early on but couldn’t keep the Kestrels at bay for long.
After two periods, the Kestrels had built a commanding 4-0 lead. Wild changed up their netminders, bringing in Evan McTaggart to try and turn the tide, but the Kestrels remained strong in front of goal. Scott Jamieson capped the night with his second goal, closing the game out at 6-0.
Kirkcaldy Kestrels stay in third place with the win, while North Ayrshire Wild are still searching for their first points of the season.
The SNL season is heating up, and with several close contests and early season drama. All eyes will be on next week’s fixtures as teams look to build momentum and strengthen their campaigns, with plenty of twists and turns expected along the way. The excitement is just beginning, and the competition promises to get fiercer with each passing week.
