Aberdeen Lynx are hoping to use last season’s Scottish National League play-off success as a springboard to break into the top four this time around.
Lynx struggled for consistency during the regular SNL season, but overcame Paisley Pirates and Dundee Comets at the play-off weekend to end the campaign with a trophy.
Head Coach Barry Carnegie has brought back many of last season’s squad, including defender Scott Chalmers and forward Ross McIntosh.
‘D’ man Adam McNicoll has also agreed to join Lynx after spending the past couple of seasons in NIHL1 South with Invicta Dynamos.
Carnegie is hopeful his team can build on their play-off victory next term.
“League-wise we need to be more consistent,” he told the Aberdeen Evening Express.
“Hopefully, the experience from the end of last year will stand us in good stead.
“The league is looking tight again this year – every team looks like they’ve got decent players and young ones coming through as well.
“I think if we get off to a good start and keep ourselves as healthy as possible then we will definitely improve, even break into that top four.”
Lynx will also continue develop its younger players next season, with Carnegie adding Scotland U19 forward Jack Durkacz into the mix.
Durkacz has joined the club from Moray Typhoons, with Carnegie keen to offer increased opportunities to the club’s youngsters.
“The guys that played with the senior team last year will be just as involved, if not more,” said Carnegie.
“We are always looking for new players, but it’s important they are able to fit in with our team, as well as offering something new.”
Durkacz previously spent three years in Dundee playing and training in the Comets’ youth set-up where he met Carnegie and says he’s delighted to link-up with him once again.
“I’m looking forward to playing with Barry again and it’s been good to have trained with the team already,” he said. “He’s a great coach who knows what he’s talking about.
“Playing against this team last year, and now training with them, I know they are a very capable team.
“I can’t wait to move to the city and have the Lynx fans behind me.
“I’m confident we can keep the momentum rolling. A top-four finish and some silverware would be my ideal first season.”
(Image permission: Kenneth Malcolm Photography)
