Solway Sharks Ice Hockey Club
The Solway Sharks, sponsored by Building Craftsmen (Dumfries), are delighted to announce the signing of two former Elite League forwards. Marc Fowley joins from Edinburgh Capitals and Aidan Fulton from the Braehead Clan and both players will be available for this weekend’s friendly against North Ayr Wild.
Both players have iced for the Sharks in recent years before moving to the EIHL and have gained valuable experience and will be looking to play key roles this season as the Sharks look to replicate last season’s trophy haul.
Aiden iced for the Sharks fifty-five times over three seasons scoring forty-one points before trying his luck with Braehead Clan. He is a twenty-one year old forward who has represented GB at junior level. Aidan started his career at North Ayr before moving to Dumfries and then onto Braehead and has also played for Scotland at various levels. He was always amongst the points in his previous time here so will be expected to contribute again this season.
Marc is a 25 year old forward who possesses a lot of speed and skill and has played over 150 EIHL games with Fife Flyers and Edinburgh Capitals as well as a nine game stint with the Sharks in ENL2 in 2012. Marc also iced for Fife in the old Northern League scoring more than a point per game and will be looking to add some offensive punch to the team.
Head Coach Martin Grubb was delighted to be able to bring the two players to Dumfries and commented “I have been talking to both Aidan and Marc for a while now and when I knew they were both available and keen to play here then it was easy to bring them here. Both have played for me before and know what I expect and what the club expect so they fit in very well and already know a few of the boys. They both have Elite experience and will be expected to show that they have improved as hockey players. They are both desperate to play more minutes and contribute to the team and they will help us. Marc is very quick and will cause teams problems with his speed and he will be looking to get amongst the goals and help the team. Aidan is a smart two-way player who can play at both ends of the rink and has a good shot that will trouble goalies in our league. They are both a good fit for us as a club and I look forward to seeing them in competitive action and it adds more options and depth to our squad”.
Aidan and Marc were happy to be signing in Dumfries and Aidan said “I am happy to be back playing for the Sharks and I look forward to playing a big part in the team’s success. I am excited to be playing more and want to show that I have become a better player for my time at Braehead and help the boys win trophies again. I already know most of the team and my previous line mates in Moorey and Peanut are still here so we have chemistry already”. Marc commented “I have been in the EIHL for a few years and have enjoyed my time there but I wanted to play more and be a big part of a team who challenges for honours. I am happy to be back at Solway after a short
spell a few years ago and have felt comfortable in practice and can’t wait to get started. Martin has brought a winning mentality to the club and a good team spirit and we are looking to pick up where we left off last season”.
Both players will be in action on Saturday night as the Sharks take to the ice in a pre-season challenge match against North Ayrshire Wild at 7pm at the Ice Bowl. Aidan will be wearing 93 and Marc 34 and will be looking to get off to a good start before the league season starts. Entrance to this game will be free of charge and will be the last chance for Sharks supporters to save themselves money and buy “early-bird” season tickets which will include entry to all Sharks league and cup fixtures. Also included in the season ticket price is entry to all matches at the forthcoming IHFF Women’s World Championship Division II Group A being played here at the Shark Tank from March 30th to April 5th 2015.
The Sharks are still talking to a few players and will also have more announcements in the coming days before the North Ayr game.
