This autumn sees a new arena management company in place and with that comes the return of the Edinburgh Capitals. They are set to bring ice hockey back to the capital city and will be led by former player, captain, and fan favourite Steven Lynch.
Murrayfield Ice Arena has confirmed it will re-open in October and the Edinburgh Capitals, under coach Lynch, will be back in the rink ready to challenge for the Scottish National League when the doors open.
The 2022/23 season gets underway this September and the club will begin the season on an extended road trip. Then October is the month to put in your calendar for the long-awaited return of ice hockey to Edinburgh.
As the club prepares for the season ahead it moved quickly to secure the services of Steven Lynch as coach. Lynch is a former Capitals player who represented the club for 8 seasons between 1999-2007, with 5 of those as team captain.
After a long playing career representing clubs such as Fife Flyers, Edinburgh Capitals, and Ayr Scottish Eagles, Lynch then moved into coaching. Before joining the Capitals he previously held the Head of Coaching position at Kirkcaldy Ice Hockey club before progressing to that of Head of Coaching with Scotland as part of the national team setup. Lynch also spent time last season coaching as part of the U-19 setup in Dundee. All of this combined means he brings strong experience to the coaching role.
On the opportunity to lead ice hockey’s return to Edinburgh he said, “I didn’t have to think long when the chance came. I’ve always felt I had unfinished business ever since I left as a player back in 2007. I really feel Scottish ice hockey has missed Edinburgh this last few years, from the junior players and system, through to the more senior players and of course it’s been hard for the fans. It will be great to see everyone back enjoying their hockey in the rink.”
Coach Lynch then looked forward to the SNL season, “I’m focussed on building a strong team capable of challenging and winning the title this season. I’ve already spoken to numerous potential players. I want to mix youth with experience, I want a setup that helps players develop as part of a winning team. I’m looking forward to putting together the squad over the next couple of months and getting the fans excited for the season ahead.”
Thinking about hockey in Edinburgh as a whole Lynch added, “I want to link up closely with the junior set up, I’d like to form a strong link where we have a natural path for players to develop through the ranks. I want to see young players play through the age groups, then transition into the SNL squad, help the club be successful, and ultimately, as individuals play at the highest level they possibly can. That’s how we will continually encourage new players into the sport.”
Summarising his final thoughts Coach Lynch added, “I’m looking forward to building the squad over summer, building up momentum, and seeing fans get ready to join us first on the road, and then back in Edinburgh again for our homecoming. That will be a great experience”.
Over the coming weeks, we look forward to announcing more on our squad, fixtures, and everything else you need to know as we look forward to the 2022/23 season. Hockey is back and we can’t wait to give everyone a warm welcome back to the arena.
LET’S GO CAPITALS!
