Solway Sharks Junior Ice Hockey Club players have been working hard preparing for the new season, which sees their first games this weekend.
The club held a one-week intensive hockey school to prepare the players for the new season, which was well-attended by players from every age group. There was coaching from Solway Sharks head coach and GB U18s coach Martin Grubb, as well as Great Britain Hockey Development officer Mark Beggs. Netminders were treated to specialist training from Colin Grubb, who flew in from Texas to take part. Off ice strength and conditioning training was provided by former Solway Shark’s captain Mark Gallagher of Synergy Performance.
Martin Grubb said, “The week long hockey school was a great opportunity to get the players ready for the new season, and brush up on their skills. Everyone who was there worked hard to impress the coaches, and we were delighted with the amount of effort that was put in. We are now looking forward to our first games, with the players eager to put the drills and skills they have practiced into a competitive situation.”
The under 12 squad heads to Kilmarnock on Saturday 3 September for their first game of the season, while the under 16s and under 20s welcome North Ayrshire to Dumfries Ice Bowl on Sunday 4 September from 10am. Anyone interested in taking part in junior ice hockey should contact Dumfries Ice Bowl on 01387 251300 for details of learn to play sessions.
Attached photo shows players at the Solway Sharks Juniors Summer Hockey School and their coaches.