Local junior ice hockey club Solway Sharks Juniors recently hosted a hockey tournament on their own ice at Dumfries Ice Bowl.
The young sharks welcomed under 12s teams from Edinburgh, Lanarkshire and a Scotland Select team, as well as an under 11s team from Billingham, all competing against the host team in the Galloway Cup tournament. There was plenty of fast, exciting hockey, and all teams taking part loved the quick turnover of games that saw the tournament progress quickly.
Although they saw some disappointing results, the junior Sharks were tired but happy at the end of day after some close, hard-fought games. The whole team was delighted when forward Lewis Gibson and Under 10s netminder Braiden Howat, who was playing up to Under 12s level for the first time, were awarded coveted all-star awards.
Outgoing Under 12s team Captain Mekhi Caven said, “I was a bit disappointed with our results, but it was great to be able to play so many games in a day, and everyone enjoyed themselves.”
Coach Craig Jackson said, “It was a disappointing day at the Galloway Cup for the Solway team, who finished without picking up any points. But looking at the positive, all our players enjoyed themselves, and even though we finished with no points it was great to see two of our young players picking up all star achievements through debutant 8 year old net minder Braiden Howat and Solway’s regular season top point scorer Lewis Gibson.
Myself and coach Mo Muir would like to thank everyone involved in making this tournament a success for the second year running, and finally thank you to all the teams for taking part.”
The tournament was eventually won by the Scotland Select team, and the prizes were presented by Bari McKenzie, a former Junior Shark who now plays for Elite League team Braehead Clan.
Solway Sharks Juniors would like to thank sponsors Alba Printers, McKenzie Merchandise, McQueen Engravers, and Gloves Off Clothing for making the tournament possible.
Attached photo shows the All Star players, Braiden Howat and Lewis Gibson of Solway are front row. Second photo shows Solway U12s team with coaches Maureen Muir and Craig Jackson
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