Understand
Caledonia Steel Queens make history as Scotland's first top-tier women's ice hockey team in 32 years
Overview
The Caledonia Steel Queens are set to make Scottish ice hockey history by playing Guildford Lightning at Murrayfield Ice Arena, marking the return of the UK's elite women's league to Scotland after 32 years. Founded in 2017 with just seven players, the club has grown to over 120 members across multiple teams and joined the Women's National Ice Hockey League top tier for the 2026/27 season, eliminating the need for Scottish players to travel hundreds of miles to England to compete at the highest level.
Key points
- The Caledonia Steel Queens are the only Scottish team in the UK's top women's ice hockey league.
- The season opener against Guildford Lightning at Murrayfield Ice Arena marks the return of top-level women's ice hockey to Scotland after 32 years.
- The club has expanded from seven players in 2017 to over 120 members across three full teams and a development squad.
- Head coach Beth Dias-Scoon previously endured a 480-mile round trip to England for 15 years to play at the elite level.
- Player Maya Low credited the sport with motivating her recovery after being diagnosed with leukaemia in August 2024.