The Solway Sharks are determined to make an impact in their first season as a National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) National Division club.
The Dumfries-based outfit was unveiled as the latest addition to the second tier earlier this month and have conducted their business shrewdly in the weeks since.
“We are excited to showcase our talent on this national stage and look forward to the season ahead,” said new owners John Strange, Phil Reilly, and David McCarroll. “We have worked hard to ensure we will be a sustainable operation and can’t wait to get started for our first season at National level.”
The Sharks – who were crowned third division playoff champions last term – have already made a number of impressive moves, including the appointment of former Glasgow Clan forward Craig Peacock as general manager.
Peacock, while untested in management, has made an impressive start in Solway, retaining defencemen Stuart Kerr and Struan Tonnar before adding a pair of battle-tested Elite League professionals.
Bari McKenzie returns to the Sharks after fifteen seasons away, which saw him amass more than 600 appearances for the Edinburgh Capitals, Cardiff Devils, Dundee Stars, Glasgow Clan, and Fife Flyers.
Primarily deployed as a bottom-six forward in the Elite League, the 36-year-old produced offence at a point-per-game rate throughout his last spell in the second division and will be expected to contribute in a similar vein next term.
Bari McKenzi, now of the Solway Sharks (Image: Flyers Images)
McKenzie isn’t the first – and won’t be the last – former Elite League talent to dip into the National Division and will share the Dumfries Ice Bowl with promising defender Liam Stenton next season.
The 21-year-old – who made his senior debut for the Sharks in 2018 – returns to Solway after one season away, which saw him amass a half-century of professional experience with the Clan.
While Stenton is yet to breakthrough as an offensive threat in the top flight, he is well-equipped for the National Division and will be asked to play a two-way game next season.
The Sharks have also retained experienced defencemen Stuart Kerr and Struan Tonnar, as they make the jump from the third division.
National Division promotion a win-win for NIHL and Solway Sharks
Solway, in other words, are on course to build a sturdy roster for their inaugural season in the National Division and could yet make a splash under head coach Martin Grubb.
And that is the ideal outcome for National League bosses.
With the Basingstoke Bison forced to sit out the season due to rink maintenance issues, the Sharks join a competition that has been on the rise in recent years and is becoming increasingly attractive to homegrown players.
“We are very happy to have Solway Sharks join the Planet Ice NIHL National Division,” said a league spokesperson. “The addition of a Scottish team is fantastic news for the league and we are excited to see the Sharks take to the ice this coming season. The ownership and coaching teams in Solway have worked hard to make this happen.”
Expansion to Scotland speaks volumes about the health of the sport – which has made inroads over the last decade.
Solway’s jump to the National Division will see them travel to Bristol and Romford, spiking their transport costs compared to the regionalised third tier.
But, in our everchanging hockey landscape, it is an expense the Sharks – and their second division rivals – are willing to shoulder.
Whatever happens on the ice for Solway next season, nobody loses here.
This is a win-win outcome for every fan, player, and club involved in the National Division – which can only be positive news for the sport on these shores.
