North East ice hockey team transfer to Scottish league due to rink scheduling
A North Tyneside ice hockey team have announced they will now play in a Scottish league as they are unable to confirm enough access for fixtures on Saturdays.
The Whitley Warriors, who have played at Whitley Bay Ice Rink in North Tyneside since 1964, play in the third tier of British ice hockey and have announced they will move divisions from the 2025-26 season.
The decision came after their current league, the NIHL Division One North announced more than 50% of games will be required to be played on Saturdays from the upcoming season. Previous seasons have seen fixtures take place on Sundays.
A statement released by the club on Tuesday, May 27 reads: “Whitley Bay Ice Rink, owners of Whitley Warriors, are excited to announce that from the 2025-26 season the team will compete in the Scottish National League.
Whitley Warriors will join the league for the coming season, meaning the league will consist of the following nine teams: Whitley Warriors, Edinburgh Capitals, Aberdeen Lynx, Dundee Rockets, Kirkaldy Kestrels, Kilmarnock Thunder, North Ayrshire Wild Solway Sharks and Paisley Pirates.
“This decision has been made primarily due to fixture scheduling. EIH have informed clubs that they must be prepared to have up to 50% of their home fixtures on Saturdays going forward, which is not viable for the club or the Ice Rink.
“The club see this as a fantastic opportunity to join a growing and exciting league which continues to expand. Matches against Edinburgh and Dundee in recent years have been very competitive and created fantastic atmospheres in both Whitley and Scotland.
“The club will also participate in the Scottish Cup, a trophy we have previously competed in and won. Depending on results, Warriors will play a similar number of matches as past seasons, with the vast majority of home games taking place during the usual Sunday evening slot.
“We also have an agreement in principle to play local rivals Billingham Stars in a cup competition, the details of which will be clarified once league fixtures are scheduled.
“Whitley Warriors GM Willie Dunn said, ‘When the owners approached us regarding this we were able to give some background information on the League and how it has grown in the last few years. Developing players is paramount and we look to bring forward a number of our younger players.
“’We believe we will have some great games in the SNL and old rivalries will be reignited. With most away games being on a Saturday night and the majority of teams being closer this also benefits our players who have faced long journeys home late on Sunday evenings.”
Head Coach Tony Hand said, “We knew this was being investigated and it has delayed us in announcing Players for the coming season however we can now push forward with announcements for a season of great change and great opportunity.”
The Scottish National League season usually gets underway in September with the playoffs concluding in April.
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