Solway Sharks, once again sponsored by Building Craftsmen Dumfries, begin their new season in less than a month – their first without a trophy to defend for four seasons. But head coach Martin Grubb is confident his side will challenge for honours once again.
The Sharks – who play at the Dumfries Ice Bowl – open their National Ice Hockey League Moralee Division 1 campaign away to Whitley Warriors on Sunday September 6th before their home opener against Billingham Stars on Saturday September 12th (7pm faceoff).
Coach Grubb and the club management have been building the squad with many players returning from last season. One major absentee is goalie Gary Russell who has moved up the M74 to join Elite League side Braehead Clan.
Taking the spot between the pipes is Craig Douglas who moves from Scottish National League side Kirkcaldy Kestrels. Filling Rusty’s skates is a tall order, but Grubb is confident that the new man fits the bill.
“I am happy to bring Craig in as I have known him a long time and coached him as a young player,” said Grubb.
“He has developed into a solid goalie who works very hard at his game and he will do well at this level. He is excited to be here and will give us a chance to win every night.”
Returning to the Ice Bowl after a season’s absence is Slovakian defenceman Juraj Senko. He spent last season in Norway, but will once again wear the
#18 jersey for Solway.
“Juraj is a massive signing for us,” said Grubb, “and I think he is one of the best players in our league. He has high end skill and skates really well and he makes others around him better.
“He knows the club and what we expect and wants to be back here to help us win trophies. I am really looking forward to Juraj coming back and working with him again.”
On the remaining roster spots Grubb was playing his cards close to his chest.
“We have brought back a good core from last season and we are looking to add a few players in the coming days to finalise our roster.
“I am looking to add more defensive options and someone who will add some offensive numbers so i have had to play a waiting game for the right people who will fit into our philosophy and i believe we have found them.”
The club expect to make more signing announcements at the weekend.
Meanwhile with the fixtures now released, plans are afoot for the new season. It is hoped that Solway will play a pre-season game on the last weekend in August to conclude their training camp.
“We are still looking for an opponent for pre season, we would ideally like to play someone different and hopefully can announce something very soon,”
continued Grubb.
“We will also hold an open weekend training camp on 22-23 August and that will fine tune the players’ fitness as we have started skating already.
“The season i think is going to be very competitive as teams are strengthening and the newly promoted teams are all good hockey teams who will enhance the league.
“Everyone will have their favourites and their thoughts on other rosters but I really only focus on my team and what we do. I obviously watch what others are doing and welcome people like David Longstaff [Whitley Warriors player-coach] to our league as it is great for the game but we will be looking for consistency to challenge for honours.
“I would love to see a cup added as personally I want more games and less gaps in the schedule but we are all looking forward to the games now.”
Season tickets are now on sale for the 2015-16 NIHL season, with a 16-game pass costing just £99 for adults, £60 for concessions and a family season ticket (2+2) is £200. These prices are held until 31 August.
To purchase online go to www.solwaysharksihc.co.uk or tickets can be bought from Dumfries Ice Bowl reception.
