World Championship Ice Hockey takes place throughout this week, 11–17 December, at the Ice Bowl in Dumfries.
The Great Britain Men’s Under 20s will play their World Championship Division II Group A fixtures at the venue, against tournament top seeds Korea and the national Under 20s teams of China, the Netherlands, Lithuania and Spain. Many of the sports brightest young talents will be on show, battling to win promotion for their countries to a higher classification next year.
The Great Britain team will play all but one of their matches at 8pm during the tournament, to enable ice hockey fans to turn out in force to support the home nation, with a mouth-watering final tie scheduled against Korea at 4.30pm on Sunday 17 December. Tickets are priced to be as affordable as possible. The Great Britain team will be coached by Martin Grubb, who also coaches local favourites, the Solway Sharks.
Councillor Ian Blake, Chair of the Council’s Communities Committee said: “A really exciting week of high quality ice hockey is in store. Do come along and cheer on Great Britain and all nations taking part. Young players have come to Dumfries from all over the world to compete, and there will be a great atmosphere at the matches – especially the Great Britain games.”
Andy French, the General Secretary of Ice Hockey UK – who are managing the World Championship in partnership with the Council and the International Ice Hockey Federation – said:, “Ice Hockey UK are delighted to continue our partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council and the staff of the Ice Bowl to bring our Under 20s national team to South West Scotland. Ice Hockey development is very strong and highly regarded in this part of the country and it is terrific to bring this exciting, world ranking tournament to Dumfries again, ten years after Great Britain Under 20s played here and the Stanley Cup was put on show in the town.”
Councillor Jackie McCamon, the Vice Chair of the Communities Committee said: “This international tournament will create a financial boost for our area, with past World Championships securing a minimum economic windfall of at least £200,000 to the regional economy. This is a superb return for the council’s funding of £25,000 for the event. It will also inspire more people to enjoy this wonderful fast-moving sport.”
Tickets are available at the Ice Bowl before each match and can also be purchased in advance by visiting: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/dumfries-ice-bowl
