Scottish Ice Hockey have confirmed that the Scottish National League (SNL) will expand to nine teams next season.
Solway Sharks will enter a development team into Scotland’s premier ice hockey competition next season, and Whitley Warriors have also confirmed their intention to join the league, moving across from England Ice Hockey’s NIHL pyramid.
It is the second time in as many seasons that a new team has entered the league.
Last year saw another major change as Dundee Rockets returned as a club after a 37-year hiatus, following a merger between the city’s Tigers and Comets sides.
Solway’s SNL return confirmed
Solway have become well-established in the Planet Ice NIHL National Division since joining the league ahead of the 2023/24 season.
They have finished ninth in each of the last two seasons, narrowly missing out on the playoffs on both occasions.
Scottish Ice Hockey say that the launch of a Sharks SNL team will “strengthen their development pathway and provide more opportunities for emerging players”.
They added: “It’s a big move that supports growth at every level of the game.”
Whitley make jump to Scottish league
Whitley’s move to the SNL is a particularly intriguing one, given they are one of the most historically significant teams in British ice hockey.
The Warriors finished sixth in the NIHL 1 North last season before losing 13-4 on aggregate to Solihull Barons in the opening week of the playoffs.
Their last piece of silverware came during a successful 2019/20 campaign which saw them win the NIHL 1 North league title.
In 2021/22, they enjoyed further success but finished as runners-up in both the league and NIHL North Cup.
Scottish Ice Hockey say that Whitley’s history of facing teams from the country in the Northern Cup and exhibition games will make them a “welcome and exciting addition” to the SNL.
In a statement confirming their departure from the NIHL, England Ice Hockey said: “While we are naturally disappointed to see the Warriors depart the NIHL, we respect their decision and the club’s ambition to take this next step.
“We have worked closely with Scottish Ice Hockey to support a positive and coordinated transition, and we are confident that the move has been handled with integrity and consideration for the wider game.
“While we are naturally disappointed to see the Warriors depart the NIHL, we respect their decision and the club’s ambition to take this next step.
“We have worked closely with Scottish Ice Hockey to support a positive and coordinated transition, and we are confident that the move has been handled with integrity and consideration for the wider game.”
It has also been confirmed that Whitley’s junior programme will remain affiliated with England Ice Hockey, continuing their participation in the country’s junior league structures.
On that decision, England Ice Hockey added: “This ensures ongoing consistency and opportunity for players developing through their junior pathway.”
Read more
