Caledonia Steel Queens Bring Elite Women's Ice Hockey Back to Scotland
After a 32-year absence, Scotland's top women's ice hockey team will play in the UK's elite league, fostering local talent and inspiring a new generation.
The Caledonia Steel Queens are set to make history as the UK's elite women's ice hockey league returns to Scotland for the first time in over three decades. The season opener at Murrayfield Ice Arena will mark a significant milestone for the team, which has grown from just seven players in 2017 to become Scotland's sole representative in the top tier of women's ice hockey.
This development is seen as a pivotal moment for the sport in Scotland, aiming to make elite ice hockey more accessible for players who previously faced extensive travel to compete in England. The Steel Queens' journey to the elite league is a testament to their dedication, culminating in their acceptance into the expanded eight-team league for the 2026/27 season. "If we hadn't competed well, we would never have had the opportunity to join the elite league, so it's a testament to the girls' hard work and commitment over the years," said Richard Gray, who founded the team. Gray, head of programme at Caledonia Steel Queens, believes this is "the biggest story in UK ice hockey this year" and hopes it will boost interest in the sport.
The club's growth from a university team to a competitive force has been remarkable. Initially founded as Scotland's only women's university team in 2017, the Steel Queens quickly progressed, moving from the university league to the Women's National Ice Hockey League and climbing through its regional divisions. The last Scottish women's team to compete at this level was the Dundee Royals in 1994.
The impact of having an elite team based in Scotland is already being felt by players and their families. Maya Low, 20, a player for the Steel Queens, shared how the sport has been a crucial source of motivation during her treatment for leukaemia. "Ice hockey has been incredible for me during this time, it's given me motivation to get up and get out of bed and learn to walk again and get my strength back," she said. Maya is focused on training for the upcoming season, aiming to make the team's roster.
For younger players like 13-year-old Drew Henderson, the emergence of the Steel Queens provides a clear pathway and inspiration. Drew, who plays for the Capitals academy and captains the Steel Queen's development team, the Iron Maidens, benefits from the increased visibility of women's hockey. "It shows women can be at that level and the sport that they enjoy and love is getting some recognition and it will let kids, especially girls, follow their dreams and see that there is something high to dream for that's different and cool," said Fee, Drew's mother.
Beth Dias-Scoon, head coach of the Steel Queens' elite squad, highlighted the difficulties faced by players who had to travel long distances for elite competition. For 15 years, Dias-Scoon herself made a 480-mile round trip to train and play. "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," she stated. The presence of experienced players, including some from the Great Britain national team, returning to play for the Steel Queens, offers valuable role models for aspiring young athletes.
The Caledonia Steel Queens will kick off their elite season on Saturday, October 3, with a home game against the Guildford Lightning at Murrayfield Ice Arena.
