Formation of Moray Highlanders giving more youngsters from the north of Scotland a chance to play competitive ice hockey

A newly formed under-12 team has entered the Scottish Ice Hockey Junior League in the form of Moray Highlanders.

A combined team of players from Inverness Highlanders and Elgin-based Moray Juniors sought approval from Scottish Ice Hockey to form a new team, and now this initiative has been commended by the SIH Junior Division as a proactive way to create a competitive team and keep the sport alive in the North of Scotland.

Putting a team together with limited opportunities to train together can pose a number of challenges for the players and coaches but the newly formed squad have started their season undefeated with two draws and two wins.

Coaches are already seeing fantastic development from all of the players and feel they are all stepping up to the challenge each game and are showing that a combined team can be successful.

Inverness-based coach Stuart Nelson said: "We have local 11-year-olds who have been playing national league ice hockey since they were eight years old.

"This joint team is using their experience, developing their skills and what it means to play as a team.

"Joining with Moray Juniors has really helped strengthen our team this season and given us more depth which is great to see."

For more information about how children can take up this amazing sport at Inverness Ice Centre, email newstartshighlander1@gmail.com.

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