New Operator to Manage Dumfries Ice Hockey Team After Council Ban

A new operator will manage Dumfries' ice hockey team for 2026/27 after the council banned previous operators over payment disputes, ensuring the continuation of NIHL games at Dumfries Ice Bowl under the new Solway Ice Hockey Club name.

New Operator Approved for Dumfries Ice Hockey Team

A new organisation has been approved to operate an ice hockey team in Dumfries for the 2026/27 season following a council ban on the previous operators. This development ensures that Dumfries Ice Bowl will continue to host a team competing in the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) national division.

Dumfries and Galloway Council (DGC) had banned DJR Sport Ltd, the company that managed the Solway Sharks, from using the facility due to a dispute over outstanding payments.

New board director Gary McCracken said it was "delighted to finally confirm" that NIHL hockey would continue in Dumfries for the 2026/27 campaign.

The Dumfries Ice Bowl with a white and blue facade and glass entrance way. There are black and yellow bollards outside, a sign saying what teams play there and a black bin. — Image caption, The agreement means the Ice Bowl will continue to host NIHL games

Resolution Ends Period of Uncertainty

The agreement brings an end to a period of uncertainty for ice hockey fans in Dumfries. At the end of April, DGC announced it would pursue recovery of a debt exceeding £65,000 from DJR Sport through legal channels and would no longer permit the company access to the Ice Bowl.

DJR Sport responded by stating they had been without "key revenue streams" throughout the previous season and lodged a formal complaint regarding the council's handling of the matter. They also noted that they had paid over £89,000 to the council and had "consistently sought a constructive and realistic discussion to resolve the position." The dispute pertained solely to the senior men's team operated by DJR Sport and did not affect the youth and Scottish National League teams.

New Team and Name Approved by NIHL

Following a meeting of other club owners in the league, the NIHL voted in favor of admitting a new operating company to manage a team under the name Solway Ice Hockey Club based in Dumfries.

Director McCracken said the group "couldn't be happier to news".

"We fully understand the frustrations of fans regarding the lack of updates in recent months," he added. "But it was important that we followed the correct processes and ensured the club's future was secure before making any announcements.

"We look forward to welcoming teams and fans back to our home, Dumfries Ice Bowl, for the upcoming season."

A poster advertising the Solway Sharks games with an ice hockey player and the word — Image caption, The name of the team will change for the season ahead

Fixtures will be announced in due course, with the new club reportedly "fully engaged" in assembling a competitive roster to compete starting in September.

The NIHL expressed satisfaction that a Scottish team—the only one in the division—would continue to operate out of the Ice Bowl.

"This represents continuity of 11 teams and is a positive step for the continued growth and development of ice hockey across the UK," the league stated.

Solway Ice Hockey Club’s Vision and Commitment

On their new social media page, Solway Ice Hockey Club stated it will proceed "with a clear vision" under new owners Gary McCracken, Jamie Crosbie, Santiago Buesa, and Charlie Shaw.

The club expressed its intention to "build a stable, ambitious and community-driven future for ice hockey in Dumfries and Galloway."

"While the name above the door may evolve as the club continues its journey, our commitment to our supporters, sponsors, volunteers and community remains unchanged," the statement said.