Nigel Smeaton Memorial Cup

Wild Hawks are back!

Wild Hawks Ice Hockey Club Managers Armands Renkis and Katarina Benova said: "Representing the Hawks in the Elite Division is something we never take for granted. We’re proud to once again compete at the highest level of Irish ice hockey and look forward to another challenging season. Our players are committed to competing with pride, respecting the game and giving their best every time they step onto the ice. We wish all clubs the very best for the season ahead."

Watch this space for more league news!

Wild Hawks are back!

Wild Hawks Ice Hockey Club Managers Armands Renkis and Katarina Benova said: "The First Division continues to play an important role within the Wild Hawks. It provides opportunities for players to gain experience, develop their game and compete in a supportive, competitive environment. We're proud of the commitment shown by everyone involved with the team and look forward to another enjoyable season. We wish all clubs the very best for the season ahead."

Watch this space for more league news!

The Bombers are back!

The Bombers are back for their 2nd season hoping to find some improvement under player/coach Marty McMillan

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N.I Spartans are here!

The Spartans are back in the NSMC after a couple of years hiatus, looking to make a name within our First Division.
Coach Jake Norris had this to say "The N.I Spartans are looking forward to entering a team in the Smeaton Cup First Division. The team will be a blend of experienced veterans and up and coming youngsters".

Watch this space for more league news!

Belfast Renegades are back!
We're delighted to see this top tier team commit to the 2026/27 NSMC Elite Division. They have been a consistently strong presence since day one of the league.
Player/coach Gareth Martin had this to say "After 3 successful seasons in the NSMC topping the standings on each occasion and winning the playoff final 2 out of 3 times. The Belfast Renegades always have a marker on our backs. That's the way we like it. Over half the team have been playing hockey together since we were teenagers, and the younger players we bring in adapt to our winning ways. We are looking forward to the 26/27 season and defending our title"

One thing is for sure that "marker on their backs" will have every team in the Elite Division out to take them down.

Dublin Buccaneers are back!
After yet another impressive season the Dublin Buccaneers have confirmed their participation in the 2026/27 NSMC Elite division.
Player-Coach Greg Munday had this to say "We're looking forward to another great season. With so much to build on from last year, we want to continue to play with pace, intensity, consistency and continue to challenge ourselves in a division that is always improving."

The Buccs will no doubt be looking to get back to a final again this season but he Elite Division is no walk in the park, so they'll have to earn every point to get them there.

The Belfast Grizzlies are back!
Following on from a very impressive first season, the Grizzlies tested their metal and have committed once again to compete at the highest level of hockey, the Nigel Smeaton Memorial Cup Elite Division.

Donuts Yellow are in!

The Dundonald Donuts have confirmed their expansion and will be entering the Donuts Yellow team, their newest team into the Nigel Smeaton Memorial Cup for the 26/27 season.
Team Manager Glenn Kirkpatrick said "This is far beyond my wildest dreams, the goal in the 25/26 season was to put a team out based on fun, hard work and working for each other and we achieved that. With that, interest in the team grew and now we have the Donuts Yellow entering the league in what can only be described as possibly the fastest growth spurt by any team across Ireland. We're ready.

We're delighted to see the sport grow exponentially, with new teams thriving within the league. Can't wait to see what these little sweeties have in store for us.

The Red Beards are back!
Dublin Buccaneers have confirmed that their Red Beards team will be competing in the First Division of the 2026/27 NSMC.
Red Beards coach Aaron Collins had this to say "Following last season, the Buccaneers Red Beards are already preparing for their next campaign. While silverware might still be a work in progress, competitive fun is guaranteed. We can't wait to be back on the ice!"

Having fun playing the sport you love, isn't that what it's all about. Watch this space for more league news.

Belfast Phoenix are back!

After an impressive inaugural season, reaching the semi-finals of the playoffs, the Belfast Phoenix have confirmed their involvement for next season's NSMC first division!

Player/Coach Phil McMaster said "The rise of the Phoenix is only getting started, we showed everyone what we can do on short notice with no ice time for practice this season. Next season we're coming out swinging with a few additions to the roster and a new look to set the league on fire!"

Strong words from a strong team, their addition last season added much needed depth to the division and we can't wait to see what they bring to the table this year.