A message from the chairman of Scottish Ice Hockey
Tonight marks the start of the Scottish Ice Hockey season with games opening in our junior league and our flagship amateur league the Scottish National League, both of which showcase home grown talent. I wanted to take this marker as an opportunity to reflect on the last 12-18 months of our sport a little, look forward to into the coming season, to say thank you and to wish everyone the best of luck for 23/24.
Looking back over the last 12-18 months it is fair to say it has been hugely challenging and rewarding at the same time.
Our sport was in a difficult place at all levels. Relationships with our members, stakeholders and partners were strained and it was not clear what our role as a Home Member National Association under IHUK was. There was uncertainty about our financial position and very little structure or process to work to. I will openly say that it certainly isn’t perfect yet however it is significantly improved and this is starting to show.
There were challenges in Juniors, Seniors, National Development and Recreational Hockey last year but all sections worked together to get through these for the betterment of the sport and we delivered across the board.
As a sport we are like an industry and every part of this industry is critical to the sports success. This includes our members, our fans, facilities, partner organisations, camp providers, equipment suppliers, media outlets, and the list goes on.
Never has it been truer to say that “The whole is greater than the sum of the parts”. As an organisation we understand that we must “Collaborate off the ice, and compete on the Ice” and most importantly we also know that we work for our members and this wider industry.
Last year our sport grew, unnecessary restrictions were removed and this year we will operate in the same way, seeking out opportunities to be better, to challenge the status quo and to continue our growth.
As we move forward you will see continued improvements as we seek to realise the real potential of our sport in Scotland. Our relationships with IHUK, The Referee Section, EIHA, and our Members continues to improve as we all look for opportunities to work more closely together.
I would like to personally thank the Board and Management Committee of Scottish Ice Hockey for their unwavering commitment and huge efforts behind the scenes. This is what it take to realise success and I do not underestimate the effort that goes in every day from every one of the team.
I would also like to personally thank every one of our members for their passion, drive and determination, in what is almost an exclusively volunteer capacity. You are the life blood of our sport and with out you we are nothing.
In closing, I wish every team, player, club, fan and member of our Ice Hockey community all the very best of luck for the season ahead and look forward to seeing how far we can take our sport in season 23/24.
Good luck folks. “We go again”
John Colley – Scottish Ice Hockey Chairman
