Hosts Scotland tipped to fare well

The main focus of attention at the start of this season will be Scotland’s participation in round one of the World Cup at Glasgow National Hockey Centre from September 6 to 11.

Scotland are expected to do well in the round-robin of five teams as they are ranked higher than Switzerland, Wales, Portugal and Slovakia.

Scotland’s matches will be at 7.15pm on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 and at 2.15pm on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11.

The National League will start a week after the conclusion of that tournament with Grove Menzieshill’s opener away to Western Wildcats. Having finished runners-up to Kelburne last season there will be a big push for Menzieshill to at least equal that result this time.

Dundee Wanderers, who hope to regain a place in division 1 at the first attempt, begin their division two campaign at home to Dunfermline Carnegie.

This will be a real early season test as will Harris’s home game to Granite City Wanderers.

The Midland League will start next weekend, with Division 1 on the Saturday and Division 2 on the Sunday. Champions Menzieshill II will anticipate an opening victory over Perthshire II, as will Wanderers II against their own fourth team.