After a successful training camp last weekend, Building Craftsmen Dumfries-sponsored Solway Sharks are in action twice this coming weekend as pre-season action comes to Dumfries Ice Bowl.
Opening Night for the 2016/17 league campaign is Saturday September 10th v Billingham Stars, but before that Sharks welcome two Scottish rivals to Dumfries on successive nights.
First on Saturday September 3rd, North Ayr Wild are the opposition with a slightly earlier faceoff of 6.30pm. Then on Sunday night, September 4th, Paisley Pirates come to town for a 5.30pm start at the Ice Bowl.
Match night ticket prices have been held at last year’s levels – £8 for adults, £5 for concession and a family ticket is £16.
For this double header weekend, supporters can buy a weekend ticket for £10 adults, £7 concession and £20 for a family.
Season tickets can still be purchased to cover all home games at the Ice Bowl – Adults £125, Concessions £78. Tickets can be ordered from Ice Bowl reception or contact the club via its Facebook page to arrange payment via bank transfer.
Sharks coach Martin Grubb was pleased with the training camp, and has confirmed more additions to the squad from the club’s development system.
“Getting everyone together this weekend has been a huge plus,” said Grubb.
“We had plenty of time on the ice and time together as a group. There are a lot of new faces to gel into the squad but we’ll be ready to go this weekend in pre-season as we build towards the Billingham game in two weeks time.”
Grubb has added forward Scott Henderson who will play up from u20s and is expected to challenge for a regular place in the lineup. Michael Corbett is also signed up but will not be rushed back after his injury at the end of last season.
In net Kyle Johnston will split his time between u20s and the senior Sharks, while Calum Hepburn is on a two-way deal with SNL’s Paisley Pirates.
Grubb is still working on another signing – a two-way deal from a Scottish Elite League club – and that is expected to be confirmed this week.
James Hutchinson
Among the new faces are defenceman James Hutchinson and forward Ben Edmonds. Hutchinson has experience at the Elite League and English Premier League level, while Edmonds is an exciting prospect on a two-way deal with Dundee Stars of the Elite League.
Finnish defenceman Kim Miettinen also joins a strong-looking blueline alongside long-time Sharks import Juraj Senko. Miettinen played with NIHL rivals Blackburn Hawks last year.
Up front Richard Bentham also moves up the M6 from Blackburn, while Daniel Abercrombie has signed full time after last season’s successful two-way from North Ayr. Connor Henderson returns from two years in North America to join a host of returning players such as captain Struan Tonnar, Duncan Speirs and Ross Murray.
BCD Sharks look forward to seeing supporters old and new return to the Ice Bowl for the first hockey action of the season, and we welcome
Ben EdmondsNorth Ayr and Paisley to our rink.
#SherksAreComing
PLAYER PHOTOS: DUNCAN SPEIRS. GRAPHICS: DAVID MELLSTROM
