Edinburgh Capitals fans will be fully aware that our first home SNL game of the 2022-23 campaign sees us face off against Dundee Tigers, on Sunday 16th October at 6pm.
The Capitals will now also play at Murrayfield Ice Arena the day prior, on Saturday 15th October, 6.30pm face off. As part of a homecoming weekend, the Capitals will go up against NIHL North Division 1 side, Whitley Warriors.
This game will be part of a home and away Northern Challenge Cup competition, with the 2nd leg scheduled to be played down in Whitley, on Sunday 13th November.
The Whitley Warriors have a long-standing history in British Hockey. Formed back in 1957, they have been a mainstay in the sport in the UK throughout. One player from the current Warriors roster who will be excited to return is Defenceman, Rihard Grigors. Latvian born Grigors first made his name in British Hockey when he signed with the Capitals back in 2016-17. He spent two seasons here in Edinburgh as a Caps player.
The Warriors are no strangers to Murrayfield Ice Arena and have faced many battles against Edinburgh based clubs here over the years. The Caps and the Warriors have only ever faced each other twice before and this was away back in season 1999-00. Both games were in the Benson & Hedges Cup Group stages.
Former Warrior and top GB internationalist David Longstaff is now Head Coach of the Northeast team. Capitals Head Coach Steven Lynch faced Longstaff many times over his playing career and now he looks to go to battle with him from behind the bench. “We look forward to these challenge games for a number of reasons. They give us a chance to assess our team against a quality NIHL opponent and where we may potentially need to improve. It also gives us an opportunity to fly the flag for the SNL league and help raise its perception south of the border. Should we compete and challenge Whitley, it may give other Scottish clubs food for thought about cross border competition down the line which can only benefit and raise the standard of hockey in Scotland in the long run. It has always been my ambition to attempt this, previously through junior hockey and now through seniors. And the home game on the 15th of October is a great way for the Capitals to mark their return to their home at Murrayfield Ice Arena, which in turn will hopefully encourage all Edinburgh hockey fans to come along to what will be a great, emotional night.”
Season Tickets WILL be valid for this game. Individual match night ticket information will be released soon.
