THE Great Britain Men’s Under 20s Ice Hockey team came within minutes of winning the gold medal at the Group II Division A World Championship, at Dumfries Ice Bowl last week.
Big crowds flocked to arena to cheer on the national team, with the council putting in place affordable ticket prices to attract existing and new fans to the sport.
Ice Hockey UK report that the championships secured more than 100,000 viewers over the week of the event to their streaming service.
With less than seven minutes left of their final fixture against Korea on Sunday, Britain were winning 3-2 and heading for the gold medal and promotion.
Devastatingly, they lost two late goals, and Korea instead leapfrogged the home nation to secure the tournament.
The council estimate that this world championship will have generated more than £250,000 to the regional economy.
The income to business and accommodation providers comes from the teams and officials expenditure in hotels and the money spent by supporters.
Councillor Ian Blake said: “The Ice Bowl hosted a well-managed, sporting and exciting International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship.
“The council’s skilled, knowledgeable and good humoured staff have helped sports and economic development for the area and created a very good impression of Dumfries for the many participants and spectators of this tournament.”
Andy French, the general secretary of Ice Hockey UK, said: “Ice Hockey UK are really pleased with how well things have gone in Dumfries since the Korean team arrived in the town on December 4.
“I’d like to thank all of the officials, volunteers and the staff of Dumfries and Galloway Council for their contribution to a fantastic Ice Hockey World Championship.”
