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The upcoming match between Caledonia Steel Queens and Guildford Lightning at Murrayfield Ice Arena is set to make history for Scottish ice hockey. This season opener signals the return of the UK’s premier women’s ice hockey league to Scottish soil after a 32-year absence. For the Steel Queens, this milestone reflects their remarkable journey from a modest beginning in 2017 with only seven players to now being the sole elite women’s team in Scotland, boasting a membership exceeding 120 players.
This achievement is not just a significant moment for the club but also aims to enhance the sport’s accessibility. Historically, many Scottish players had to travel long distances into England to compete at the highest levels. The Steel Queens’ presence in the elite league offers a local platform that encourages more talent to flourish without the burden of extensive travel. The club has heralded this development as “the biggest story in UK ice hockey this year,” hoping it will inspire a new generation of players across Scotland.
The impact of ice hockey on individuals involved with the Steel Queens is deeply personal and powerful. Maya Low, a 20-year-old player introduced to the sport by her Canadian relatives at 15, recently shared how ice hockey has been a crucial part of her recovery from leukaemia. During intensive treatment, which left her unable to walk initially, Maya found motivation and strength through her commitment to the sport. “Ice hockey has been incredible for me during this time,” she said, highlighting how the sport helped her regain confidence and reconnect with friends.
Another inspirational story comes from 13-year-old Drew Henderson, who plays alongside her twin brother Flynn. Drew is the only girl on the Edinburgh Capitals academy team and also captains the Steel Queens’ development squad, the Iron Maidens. Their mother, Fee, said, “When we see Drew playing ice hockey it’s actually like she comes alive. There is nothing else that makes her as happy as ice hockey does.” She believes that having Scotland’s own elite team is vital, as it shows young girls that they can dream big and achieve high standards in a sport they love.
Beth Dias-Scoon, head coach of the Steel Queens’ elite squad, brings a wealth of experience from her long career, including playing for the Great Britain women’s national team and the Kingston Diamonds. For 15 years, Beth endured a 480-mile round trip to train and compete at the elite level. She points out how the Steel Queens’ establishment drastically changes the game for Scottish players: “Just to give them that platform is so important. It means they can focus on hockey rather than the cost and the time spent travelling.” The club has already attracted several former GB Team players back to Scotland, which Beth feels provides inspiring role models for younger players.
The Caledonia Steel Queens’ rapid growth since their foundation in 2017 has been impressive. Originally Scotland’s only women’s university team, they expanded from seven players to field three full teams plus a development squad. Their switch in 2023 to the Women’s National Ice Hockey League marked an important step, progressing swiftly through regional divisions. When the league announced an expansion of its top tier for the 2026/27 season, the Steel Queens successfully secured a spot, an accomplishment Richard Gray, the team’s founder, credits to the players’ hard work and dedication.
Richard Gray emphasized the significance of their return to the elite level since no Scottish women’s team had competed at this tier since the Dundee Royals in 1994. “I may be a little bit biased but I think it’s the biggest story in UK ice hockey this year,” he said. Gray hopes this renewed presence will boost wider interest in the sport, noting, “If you like quick, fast, action-packed sport that has got everything from physicality, to skill, then it’s really a sport for you.” The season officially kicks off at Murrayfield Ice Arena on Saturday 3 October when the Steel Queens host Guildford Lightning
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