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Demons hit tournament milestone

HOSTED by Dumfries based recreational ice hockey outfit — the Dumfries Demons — this year’s Dave Webster Spring Tournament is set to be an extra special occasion.

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By Zac Hannay
Sport
Demons hit tournament milestone
CELEBRATION . . . the Dumfries Demons team won last year’s home tournament

The 2025 rendition of the event at the Dumfries Ice Bowl will mark the 30th year since it was first contested.

And some of the best recreational ice hockey teams in the country will go head-to-head in the middle of March.

As well as being hosts, the Demons are also current holders of the trophy.

Following almost 30 attempts, and after reaching the final on several occasions, they finally got their hands on the silverware last year when they beat the Edinburgh Lions 3-1 in the culminating contest.

Club secretary Luke Leslie said: “In 1995, under the guidance of Dave and Sheila Webster, the Dumfries Demons created a tournament in the spring, with some of the best recreational ice hockey teams in Scotland and England coming to Dumfries to compete over the weekend.

“After the success of the first tournament it was decided to make it an annual event. And the weekend of March 15 and 16, 2025 will be the 30th year we have welcomed the best of the best to Dumfries Ice Bowl.”

Luke added: “Despite having a team in the tournament every year since the start, the Demons have only won it once, last year, shortly before the passing of our former chairman Alex McLaren which was very fitting.

“The tournament has seen teams attend from all the regions of Scotland and from Newcastle, Durham, Manchester, Hull, and Milton Keynes, to name a few.

“It has brought thousands of hockey players and fans to the region over the years, many of whom have enjoyed a beverage or two in the local pubs and hotels. As we don’t have a league structure in recreational ice hockey, the end of season tournaments take on extra importance.

“The matches are fiercely competitive, but always played in a friendly manner, and we have established great relationships with other teams across the UK because of the tournament.”

Teams participating include: Dumfries Demons, Stirling Wolves, Edinburgh Knights, Edinburgh Phoenix, Edinburgh Lions, Paisley Blackhawks, The Warriors, Milton Keynes Hurricanes, Kingston Cobras and Altrincham Black Bears

Games will take place between 8 am and 5 pm on Saturday and 9 am and 5 pm on Sunday.

Weekend (Adults £10 and Kids £5) and day passes (£5 and £3) are available now at the Dumfries Ice Bowl.

Thanks are expressed to Stealth Competitions for their sponsorship.

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