New ice hockey operator steps in after council rink ban

A new organisation has been approved to run an ice hockey team out of a south of Scotland rink after the council banned the previous operators.

It means Dumfries Ice Bowl will continue to host a team in the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) national division.

Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) banned DJR Sport Ltd - which ran the Solway Sharks - from the facility in a dispute over payments.

New board director Gary McCracken said it was "delighted to finally confirm" that NIHL hockey would continue in Dumfries for the 2026/27 campaign.

The news brings to an end a period of uncertainty for ice hockey fans in the town.

DGC confirmed at the end of April that it had decided to seek recovery of a debt of more than £65,000 from DJR Sport through the courts and would no longer allow it access to the rink.

The operators said they had been without "key revenue streams" throughout last season and lodged a complaint with the council about its handling of the situation.

They said they had paid more than £89,000 to the council and had "consistently sought a constructive and realistic discussion to resolve the position".

The dispute only concerned the senior men's team - run by DJR Sport - not the youth and Scottish National League sides.

After a meeting of the other club owners in the league, the NIHL has now voted in favour of admitting a new operating company to run a team - under the name Solway Ice Hockey Club - out of Dumfries.

Director McCracken said the group "couldn't be happier to share this news".

"We fully understand the frustrations of fans regarding the lack of updates in recent months," he said.

"But it was important that we followed the correct processes and ensured the club's future was secure before making any announcements.

"We look forward to welcoming teams and fans back to our home, Dumfries Ice Bowl, for the upcoming season."

Fixtures will be released in due course but the new club was said to be "fully engaged" in building a competitive roster ready to compete in September.

The NIHL said it was pleased that a team from Scotland - the only one in the division - would continue to operate out of the Ice Bowl.

"This represents continuity of 11 teams and is a positive step for the continued growth and development of ice hockey across the UK," it added.

In a statement on their new social media page, Solway IHC said it would move forward "with a clear vision" under new owners McCracken, Jamie Crosbie, Santiago Buesa and Charlie Shaw.

It said it wanted to "build a stable, ambitious and community-driven future for ice hockey in Dumfries and Galloway".

"While the name above the door may evolve as the club continues its journey, our commitment to our supporters, sponsors, volunteers and community remains unchanged," it said.

"The history, passion and pride that have defined hockey in this region will continue to drive us forward."

A statement from Dumfries and Galloway Council said it could confirm it was in the "final stages" of agreeing new arrangements so another operator could use the Ice Bowl.

"This is positive news for the facility and for the local community," it said.

"In relation to previous operators and agreements, it would not be appropriate for the council to comment further at this time due to ongoing legal proceedings."