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Why are fans being bitten by the Solway Sharks?

Luke Jarmyn
South Scotland reporter, BBC Scotland news website
Reporting fromDumfries
BBC Solway Sharks fan Maureen Cochrane and co-owner John StrangeBBC
Maureen Cochrane and co-owner John Strange at a beach-themed Solway Sharks match day

Sport events across the country have struggled to attract as many fans back after the Covid pandemic - but one professional team is bucking the trend.

South-west Scotland may not be seen as a sporting heartland, but it's proving to be a thriving base for the Solway Sharks.

Attendances at its National Ice Hockey League fixtures have risen sharply by more than double this season.

The Dumfries Ice Bowl is now packed out every weekend - but why have fans been bitten by the Solway Sharks?

David Yule Solway Sharks v Bees, Saturday 16 March 2024David Yule
Fans have been packing out the Dumfries Ice Bowl to see the fast-paced action

Between 700 to 800 fans are making "the Shark Tank" the liveliest place in the regional capital during most Saturday evenings.

Maureen Cochrane got the bug after meeting her husband Dave, and they have followed the Sharks around the country.

She said: "I didn't know anything about the Sharks until I met Dave eight years ago.

"I'd never been to an ice hockey match before. He asked me if I wanted to go, and I thought 'no, why would I want to do that":[]}