Dumfries ice hockey player to represent Great Britain on home ice

A young Dumfries ice hockey player will live out her dream this week.

The Ice Bowl will host the latest in a long line of International Ice Hockey Federation tournaments when the puck drops in U18 Women’s World Championship Division II Group A tomorrow.

And 15-year-old Cassie McGregor from Dumfries she can’t wait to represent her country on home ice.

The junior Solway Shark said: “It feels brilliant.

“When I was younger I came here to watch another tournament with the school and I dreamt of playing in the team so to do this is brilliant.”

This tournament will be the eighth world championship to come to Dumfries. The prestige has helped elevate the town as one of Europe’s capitals of international ice hockey and brings economic benefits to the area. Communities committee chairman Archie Dryburgh said: “I’m pleased the IIHF has brought the championship here.

“It’s not just good for the Ice Bowl. The teams are bringing a lot of players, staff, visitors and families so it’s good for the economy in Dumfries.

“Apparently we have the best ice in Scotland so I’m really pleased the Ice Bowl is being used. Hopefully it can be the start of more events coming.”

Vice chairman of the committee John Campbell added: “It’s fantastic we’ve got another major event in the town.”