Dumfries and Galloway Council has granted permission to a new consortium to operate an ice hockey team in the town, ending a contentious episode that saw the former owners, DJR Sport Ltd, expelled over unpaid fees.
A Fresh Start for the Club
The consortium, comprising local entrepreneurs Gary McCracken, Jamie Crosbie, Santiago Buesa and Charlie Shaw, has announced that the team will compete under the name Solway Ice Hockey Club in the National Ice Hockey League’s national division beginning with the 2026/27 season.
The club will adopt a new identity for the upcoming campaign, a move that reflects both a break from past turmoil and a commitment to a community‑driven future for the sport in the region.
Club chief executive Gary McCracken emphasized that the new management has followed every procedural requirement to secure the franchise, acknowledging the frustration felt by supporters during the interim period.
The council’s head of sport, speaking through the authority’s official channels, welcomed the development and highlighted the importance of a stable presence in the Dumfries Ice Bowl for the growth of hockey at all levels.
Fans can look forward to a full fixture list in the coming weeks, with the league confirming its enthusiasm about retaining a Scottish side in the national competition.