A new body has been given the green light to run an ice‑hockey franchise in Dumfries, Scotland, after the council removed the previous operators following a lengthy payment row.
A Fresh Start for Dumfries Ice Hockey
The former managers, DJR Sport Ltd, were stripped of their licence by Dumfries and Galloway Council because of an unpaid debt that topped £65,000. The council said the dispute had lingered for months before a decision could be reached.
The replacement, called Solway Ice Hockey Club, will enter the National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) for the 2026/27 season, promising a stable platform for the sport in the region. The league welcomed the return of a Scottish side to the Dumfries Ice Bowl, a venue that has long been a hub for local fans.
At the heart of the new venture are four local entrepreneurs – Gary McCracken, Jamie Crosbie, Santiago Buesa and Charlie Shaw – who have pledged to build a community‑focused roster that can compete from September onward. Their plan emphasises youth development, local sponsorship and a transparent financial model.
The council’s finance committee noted that the debt dispute was settled after DJR Sport Ltd claimed to have already paid more than £89,000, a figure that helped clear the way for the new ownership group to take over the arena.