Inverness Hurricanes blow competition away to win ice hockey tournament in Aberdeen
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INVERNESS Hurricanes say ice hockey in the city is on the rise as the club celebrated success after winning a tournament.
The club were victorious when they won the North Stars Tier Two tournament in Aberdeen.
Teams from the top three tiers of Scottish ice hockey competed in the tournament as the Hurricanes took on Aberdeen Predators, Coatbridge Coyotes and Coatbridge Redwings in Tier Two.
Coach James McIlwraith was pleased with their victory and believes it will have a good impact on helping promote the sport in the city.
“With the Hurricanes missing their first two lines with injuries and work commitments, this was an opportunity for a lot of the newer players who have come through to rise to the occasion,” said McIlwraith.
“They more than did, finishing the season on a massive high note with the North Stars Tier Two trophy which will help build into the Hurricanes recruitment drive for next season.
“Now Scottish ice hockey is getting back to normal and the country’s rinks reopen there’s a lot to look forward to and we are looking to going further in next season’s tournaments is high on the agenda.”
Around 50 players in Inverness are taking part in recreational ice hockey.
The junior section in Inverness is also good, with three age groups of 50 to 70 players.
Inverness Hurricanes have a varied age group in their squad, with players ranging from teenagers to over 60.
McIlwraith says ice hockey in Inverness and Scotland did suffer from the impact of the pandemic, but says the sport is continue to recover and grow.
“Ice hockey has taken a bashing with the covid pandemic and this was the first big tournament we had played since the semi lockdown.
“It is getting back to a good place and we are looking to get more players and establishing two teams.
“We have a wide span of ex-professionals who play for us.
“We have younger players coming through the juniors, but there are also players who started in the 1980’s.
“We have a good spread across the age groups.
“ There is more ice hockey time in Inverness and the rink is supporting the clubs.
“We are looking to get back on our feet and looking at tournaments at the end of the season, Dumfries in October and perhaps competing in the top tier. Our main focus is is getting promotion from tier three.”
