The Solway Sharks are set to swim in new waters next season when they enter the NIHL National Division.
The Dumfries Ice Bowl side announced yesterday that they would be making the step up.
And it was also confirmed that a new ownership group, made up of John Strange, Phil Reilly and David McCarroll, has taken on the club.
In a joint statement, they said: “We are very happy to join the Planet Ice NIHL National Division and compete against the existing members of the league.
“We are excited to showcase our talent on this national stage and look forward to the season ahead. 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.”
In the last campaign the Sharks won the NIHL North League, North Cup, play-offs and the National Championship in a trophy-laden campaign.
Now the Sharks will join the NIHL National Division which sits at the top of the ice hockey league structure, featuring 11 teams from across the country.
The Sharks will become the only Scottish side to play in the league and will have some lengthy away days. The league consists of teams from Bristol, Leeds, Milton Keynes, Sheffield and Swindon which will see the Sharks rack up the miles on the road.
An NIHL national owners group spokesperson said: “We are very happy to have Solway Sharks join the Planet Ice NIHL National Division. 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.”
