Ayr - Ice Hockey

Ice Hockey

The town has a strong history of Ice Hockey up to professional standard. The most recent being the Ayr Scottish Eagles who played in the British Superleague between 1996 and 2002. During this time they have success most famously their grand slam season in 1997-8 winning all 4 titles available and becoming British Champions. The following season seen them compete in the European Hockey league with famous victories home and away to Russian champions AK Bars Kazan. Eagles finished 3rd in a group also containing clubs from Germany and Czech Republic. The Centrum closed in 2003 and was demolished in 2009 for a Sainsbury supermarket. The Centrum was actually based in Prestwick just over the border from Ayr but was a facility enjoyed by many in South Ayrshire.

The first ice rink in Ayr was opened in 1939 at Beresford terrace and was demolished in 1972. In 1974 a new ice rink based in Limekiln Road opened and remains open today but due to ageing facilities is not deemed appropriate to host ice hockey beyond rec hockey. Ayr Bruins (established under the name Ayr Raiders played in both these rinks between 1939 and 1992. In the final season the club name reverted back to Ayr Raiders. The only ice hockey teams now representing Ayr are at recreational level. The Ayr Jets and Ayr Lions both play home matches at Limekiln road. Elsewhere in Ayrshire there are clubs from Kilmarnock (East Ayrshire) and Stevenston, (North Ayrshire) at amateur level in the Scottish National League. The nearest Professional club are the Braehead based just outside of Glasgow who have a strong contingent of fans who travel from Ayr and nearby town to home matches. There has been campaigning to get a modern ice rink built in South Ayrshire by Friends of Eagles Hockey and more recently by Think Rink. With the Centrum now gone combined with the poor economic climate it may be some time before Ayr has a facility of hosting ice hockey beyond recreation and junior levels.