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Pirates set sail in search of honours

Pa i s l e y P i rates have introduced their fans to the squad they hope will sweep the board this season.

The ice hockey team used a supporters club pre-season meeting to show off their new team to fans at a function held at Priorscroft Bowling Club.

Supporters got an early chance to meet and greet new players and established stars alike, in a bid to drum

up support for the Pirates heading into the new campaign.

“It was a great chance for some of the new boys who’ve joined us to meet up with their teammates off the ice and also get to know some of the fans who support us the length and breadth of the country during the season,” said off ice operations manager Jackie Turley.

“The new boys, if they hadn’t realised it already, have signed up for a big club and events such as these are great for reinforcing the fact that they’ve taken a step up in coming to play for the Pirates.

“It’s always good too to welcome back the guys who’ve seen it all with us already, including the playoff victory at the end of last season which sent us all away for the summer break in great spirits.”

It’s been a successful off-season for the Pirates, with two coaches called to make the step up to national level.

Jackie is convinced that can help push the club on to even more success following their playoff win.

She said: “The club itself has taken a massive step up too in profile over the summer, as not only did head coach Ian Turley gain recognition through his appointment to the GB Under-16 squad as assistant coach, but player/coach Adam Walker was also appointed to the Scotland Under-17’s coaching team.

“Both our coaches are now truly internationally recognised, which is not a bad feat for Paisley’s only senior ice hockey team.

“We’re only a couple of weeks away from our first competitive match of the season, away to Kilmarnock on October 12, and the mood coming out of the meet and greet event is that none of us can wait for opening night.”