Aberdeen Lynx head coach Owen Reynolds is expecting a stern test against Solway Sharks as his side work towards match-readiness.
This weekend’s friendly double header will mark the Lynx’s first meetings with English National Ice Hockey League (NIHL) opposition, who are in theory a tier above the Granite City side, although Solway are based in Scotland’s Dumfries.
Linx Ice Arena will play host to the first match at 7pm tomorrow, before the teams meet at the Sharks’ rink on Sunday.
Reynolds thinks the games make sense for both sides, and won’t be about winning or losing.
He said: “When Solway approached us for pre-season games it made sense for both teams.
“They’re clearly looking to improve chemistry and sharpness, while for us, it’s a good opportunity to improve match fitness and get some valuable ice time ahead of our fixtures starting.
“As our rink closed for maintenance at a time we’d be looking to return to pre-season training, we’ve only been able to return to the ice this week.
“Our double-header home and away against Solway Sharks, who play in a league above us, will certainly be a stern test. However, I’m more comfortable playing a team from another league as neither team will be focusing on what the other does – I’ll very much be treating it as a training exercise, with very little concern about scorelines.”
Every member of the Lynx roster won’t be able to play, but South Africa-raised import Jack Flynn, a new addition, will be in action.
Reynolds said: “We won’t have our full team available but I’m looking forward to seeing how our latest signing, Jack Flynn, plays with his new team-mates.
“Unfortunately, Joe Durkacz has a suspension carried over from last season to serve, so we won’t see him in action until the league is underway.”
The season proper begins for the Lynx on September 1 at home to Dundee Tigers in the Scottish National League (SNL) East Conference, with this year’s full SNL season beginning on November 10.
Tickets for the home match with Solway Sharks can still be purchased.
It’s £10 for adults and £6 for children, with family tickets also available.
Visit https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/aberdeenlynx for further details.