DUMFRIES Ice Bowl will play host for the International Ice Hockey Federation’s (IIHF) Women’s Under 18s Championship – starting today.
The Division 2, Group A, championship gets underway on Saturday and runs until January 27.
Six nations, including Great Britain, the Netherlands, Latvia, Australia, Mexico and Turkey, will compete for the medals and promotion opportunity to a higher division.
It is hoped that the tournament will inspire the next generation of ice hockey players in the region as well as bringing large economic benefits.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh, chairman of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s communities committee, said: “The council has worked tirelessly, for many years, to bring major ice hockey and winter sports events to the ice bowl, and we are thrilled that after the pandemic we can resume hosting World Championship ice hockey.
“I’m pleased that the IIHF have decided to bring the women’s U18 event here. It’s not only good for the ice bowl; the teams are bringing not only players, but staff, visitors and families as well so it’s good for the economic value in Dumfries.
“The ice bowl is looking really good, apparently we’ve got the best ice in Scotland.
“Because it’s such a major event hopefully it will inspire some of our own young people. We’ve got our own Cassie McGregor who is playing for the Great Britain team.
Councillor John Campbell, vice chair of the communities committee, added: “It’s fantastic that we’ve got another major event coming to Dumfries Ice Bowl.
“It’s also fantastic news for our region that Dumfries has got one of the Solway Sharks Ladies participating.”
The Great Britain team boasts one Dumfries native and Solway Sharks Ladies player within its ranks. Cassie McGregor, 15, has been playing ice hockey for seven years. She got involved in the game after attending an open day at the ice bowl.
Cassie said: “It’s brilliant. When I was younger, when they were here the last time, I came with the school and I always dreamt of playing with the GB team.”
